Trader Joe’s Voluntarily Recalls Bottled Water Due to Potential Breakage Hazard
Trader Joe’s, a popular grocery chain renowned for its unique and gourmet food offerings, has initiated a voluntary recall of specific lots of its Gerolsteiner Sparkling Natural Mineral Water across several states. The recall, announced earlier this week, stems from concerns that a small percentage of the affected bottles may be prone to cracking or breaking, posing a potential laceration hazard to consumers.
The company’s decision to issue a recall was prompted by information received from its supplier, which identified a potential issue during the bottle production process. According to a statement released by Trader Joe’s, research indicated a risk of bottle breakage during production, potentially affecting approximately 1% of the bottles within the specific lots being recalled.
This recall affects a significant number of bottled water units, estimated to be around 61,500 bottles of Gerolsteiner Sparkling Natural Mineral Water. These bottles were sold at Trader Joe’s locations in 12 states between December 2024 and January 2025. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has also issued a statement regarding the recall, emphasizing the potential for laceration hazards if the bottles crack or break.
The primary concern driving the recall is the risk of injury to consumers. If a bottle cracks or breaks unexpectedly, it could lead to cuts or lacerations. Although no injuries have been reported to date, Trader Joe’s is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of its customers by removing the potentially affected products from shelves.
Consumers who have purchased Gerolsteiner Sparkling Natural Mineral Water from Trader Joe’s during the specified timeframe are urged to check the lot codes on their bottles to determine if they are included in the recall. The affected lot codes are available on the Trader Joe’s website and at the customer service desk of any Trader Joe’s store.
Anyone who has purchased bottled water bearing the affected lot codes should immediately discontinue use of the product. The CPSC advises that the recalled bottles should not be handled or consumed. Instead, consumers are instructed to return the bottles to the Trader Joe’s store where they were purchased for a full refund. Trader Joe’s has waived the requirement for proof of purchase; customers simply need to return the recalled bottle to receive a refund.
Trader Joe’s is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of its products and has taken swift action to address this potential issue. The company is working closely with its supplier and the CPSC to ensure that all affected products are removed from the market and that customers are properly informed about the recall.
Customers with questions or concerns about the recall can contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at 626-599-3817. Customers may also contact via email from the Trader Joes website. The customer service team is available to provide additional information and assist consumers with the refund process.
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of product safety and the responsibility of companies to ensure that their products meet the highest standards. Trader Joe’s is demonstrating its commitment to customer safety by voluntarily recalling the potentially affected bottled water and providing a straightforward refund process.
The recall highlights the importance of consumers staying informed about product recalls and taking appropriate action if they have purchased a recalled item. Consumers can stay informed about product recalls by regularly checking the CPSC website and signing up for email alerts from retailers and manufacturers.
It’s important to recognize that product recalls are not necessarily indicative of a widespread problem. In this case, the issue is believed to affect only a small percentage of the bottles produced. However, even a small risk of injury is enough to warrant a recall and protect consumers.
Trader Joe’s has a long-standing reputation for quality and customer service. The company’s prompt and decisive action in response to this potential issue reinforces its commitment to these values. By taking swift action to remove the affected products from shelves and provide a hassle-free refund process, Trader Joe’s is demonstrating its dedication to the safety and well-being of its customers.
This voluntary recall is a testament to the effectiveness of product safety monitoring systems and the collaborative efforts of manufacturers, retailers, and regulatory agencies to protect consumers. By working together, these entities can identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to prevent injuries and ensure the safety of the products we use every day. The swift and decisive action by Trader Joe’s underscores the importance of transparency and responsible corporate citizenship.
