On October 29, 2024, the FDA issued a recall affecting multiple coconut water brands, including Vita Coco, Zola, C2O, and 365 Whole Foods Market, due to high levels of bisphenol A (BPA). Despite being labeled as “BPA-free,” these popular products were found to contain this endocrine-disrupting chemical, posing serious health risks to consumers.
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Read below to learn more about what’s in your coconut water and why it matters!
What happened?
The nonprofit Center for Environmental Health (CEH) discovered that several brands of canned coconut water claiming “BPA-free” status contain BPA, an industrial chemical known for its harmful effects on hormone regulation. Also, recent developments have identified more coconut water products containing high levels of bisphenol A (BPA). On December 19, 2024, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) issued legal notices to nine additional companies after detecting elevated BPA levels in their canned coconut water products. These brands include Amy & Brian, Taste Nirvana, FOCO, Laguna, Faraon, Nature Factor, Pure Squeeze, Refreshery (Rite Aid), and One Hundred Coconuts.
Furthermore, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated a recall of over 2 million cans of Jarritos Coconut Water due to compromised seals that could lead to contamination and potential health risks.
These products were distributed nationwide through major grocery retailers, it’s time for a pantry check!
Here’s what you need to know:
- Date of Issue: October 29, 2024
- Issuing Authority: CEH testing
- Product Category: Canned Coconut Water
- Discovery Details: BPA was detected in routine testing by CEH, an environmental watchdog
| Coconut Water Brands | |||||
| Vita Coco | C2O | Parrot | Jarritos | Sun Harvest | Iberia |
| Zola | 365 Whole Foods Market | Sprouts | Goya | Raley’s | |
What caused the issue?
The presence of BPA in “BPA-free” products immediately evidences gaps in quality control and the troubles of food packaging claims. BPA is a synthetic chemical that could disrupt the endocrine system, potentially leading to reproductive issues, developmental disorders, and certain cancers.
Groups who should be especially careful are:
- Vulnerable Groups: Pregnant women, infants, and young children
- Potential Symptoms: Hormone disruption, development issues in children, and increased risk of cancers
“The problem with bisphenols like BPA is it can mimic hormones like estrogen and block other hormone receptors, even at low levels, altering the way hormones control the function of our bodies, and resulting in negative health effects.” Mihir Vohra, Science Lead at CEH.
Here’s what you should do
If you’ve purchased any of the listed coconut water products, follow these steps:
- Dispose Safely: Avoid consuming the product and discard it safely.
- Contact the Brand: Most brands offer refunds or exchanges for recalled products. Contact details are available on brand websites.
Consumers are advised to check their pantries for these products and avoid consumption if they possess any of the affected brands. For refunds or exchanges, contact the respective brands directly. This situation underscores the importance of transparency and rigorous testing in food safety, emphasizing the need for accurate labeling and adherence to safety claims to protect public health. For more detailed information, you can refer to the official press release by the Center for Environmental Health.
Behind the brand
CEH, an environmental nonprofit, frequently tests consumer products for harmful chemicals. This claim isn’t the first instance where BPA was detected in products marketed as “BPA-free.” This is not the first time the CEH has uncovered harmful BPA levels. It has a history of discovering this type of hidden hazard in a range of consumer products, from canned foods to fitness clothing. Testing carried out by the non-profit showed levels of BPA in sports brands, leggings, and active shirts and shorts from various brands. These findings have created awareness amongst brands and led to stricter scrutiny of consumer product claims, fueling legal agreements that required companies to eliminate BPA from several items.
In light of these findings, consumers are urged to exercise caution when purchasing canned coconut water products, even those labeled as “BPA-free.” It is advisable to seek out products from reputable sources that prioritize transparency and rigorous testing to ensure consumer safety.
Ensuring safe eats
This issue shows that transparency and rigorous testing are food safety since consumers trust labels. This incident proves that regulatory standards must be more demanding. Brands should prioritize enhanced testing such as routine third-party testing for harmful chemicals and transparent labeling, to regain consumer trust. Companies should always try to meet safety claims, as mislabeled products not only put consumers at risk but also harm brand credibility.
If you’re sourcing ingredients and looking for a partner dedicated to high-quality standards, reach out to Source86. We’re here to provide safe, transparent ingredients that meet regulatory standards.
