Macb expands water recall due to spoilage

By Joseph James Whitworth

- Last updated on GMT

Macb still flavoured water recall
Macb still flavoured water recall

Related tags Flavor

Macb has expanded a recall of flavoured water months after initial action was taken due to a ‘quality issue’.

The firm, owned by Cott Beverages, recalled Macb Strawberry & Kiwi still flavoured water in 1.5L and 330ml bottles with best before date August 2018 in June.

Now it has recalled all flavours and sizes (330ml, 500ml and 1.5L) of still flavoured water with best before: July 18, August 18 and September 18 because of quality issues and continued consumer reports of a strong odour and unpleasant taste.

This includes Apple & Blackcurrant, Cranberry & Raspberry, Lemon & Lime and Peach.

Five people have reported gastrointestinal symptoms or sore throat after drinking Macb Strawberry and Kiwi water.

Users on social media described the product as having a ‘chemical’ smell and said it was contaminated with cleaning fluid. Food Standards Scotland would not comment on this, only saying the investigation is ongoing and more details will not be disclosed.

Mould causing spoilage

The action is because of a strong odour and unpleasant taste due to the presence of mould causing spoilage.

Drinking the product may cause people to feel unwell, said FSS.

The agency urged consumers not to drink the water at the time of the initial recall in June.

FSS said it was not aware of any distribution outside of Scotland.

Health Protection Scotland said it was aware of five people who contacted NHS services in June reporting gastrointestinal symptoms or sore throat after drinking Macb Strawberry and Kiwi water.

The agency has not been notified of any additional individuals contacting NHS Scotland services to report illness following consumption of Macb products.

Not a food safety issue - Macb

Macb said it had received complaints on other still flavours and bottle sizes after the recall of the Strawberry & Kiwi brand.

Production of that flavour has recommenced and should return to store shelves within weeks, it added.

“We have therefore taken the decision to recall all of our macb still flavoured water with best before end dates of July 18, August 18 and September 18 as a precautionary measure,” ​said Macb.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused to all our valued customers and we thank you for your support during this period.

“Please be assured that whilst the drink may have a strong odour and be unpleasant to taste, this is not a food safety issue.

“We take our responsibility as a quality soft drink manufacturer very seriously and apologise to anyone who has received a bad experience with any of our drinks.”

Related topics Manufacturers Soft Drinks & Water

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