- Date Issued: March 17, 2025
- Company Name: Trader Joe’s
- Product Name: Gerolsteiner Sparkling Natural Mineral Water (750mL)
- Issue: Potential for cracked or damaged glass bottles posing a safety risk
- Product Details: Sold between December 27, 2024, and January 28, 2025, in 12 states
- Action: Customers advised to dispose of the product carefully and visit any Trader Joe’s location for a full refund
Shall we learn more about this? Keep reading!
What happened?
On March 17, 2025, Trader Joe’s, in coordination with its supplier, issued a recall for Gerolsteiner Sparkling Natural Mineral Water (750mL) due to potential glass bottle breakage that could cause injury.
The issue was identified through routine production research, which found that approximately 1% of bottles in the affected lot codes could be compromised. As of the recall announcement, no injuries or customer complaints had been reported.
Product details:
Brand | Product | Size | Lot Codes Affected | Issue |
Gerolsteiner | Sparkling Natural Mineral Water | 750mL | 2024/28/11 24, 2027/19/12, 2024/271/11 24, 2027/18/12 | Potential glass bottle breakage |
The recalled product was sold exclusively at Trader Joe’s locations in the following 12 states between December 27, 2024, and January 28, 2025:
- Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas
What caused the issue?
During routine inspections, bottle defects were found, suggesting that some glass bottles may have structural weaknesses, making them prone to cracking or breaking. This is likely due to faults in the manufacturing process, such as:
- Glass temperature inconsistencies during molding
- Thin glass walls in certain areas
- Improper pressure handling during carbonated filling
The risk increases when bottles experience temperature changes, rough handling, or pressure variations during transportation or storage.
Potential hazards for customers
While no injuries have been reported, broken glass presents severe safety risks, including:
- Cuts and lacerations: If a bottle shatters while handling or opening, sharp glass fragments could injure hands or fingers.
- Internal injuries: Ingesting tiny glass particles can lead to mouth, throat, or gastrointestinal injuries, requiring medical attention.
- Eye injuries: In rare cases, sudden glass breakage could cause eye injuries if shards become airborne.
Who is at risk?
This recall affects anyone who purchased and handled these bottles, but certain groups may be more vulnerable:
- Children and elderly individuals—higher risk of injury due to weaker hand strength and reflexes.
- Restaurant staff or bartenders—those handling multiple bottles at a time are at greater risk.
- Consumers who drink directly from the bottle—increased chance of ingesting small glass shards.
10 common question you might have
- How do I know if I have an affected bottle?
- Check the lot code on the bottle label. If it matches any of the listed codes, your bottle is affected.
- What should I do if my bottle has a crack?
- Do not open or consume it. Carefully wrap the bottle in a plastic bag and dispose of it to prevent injury.
- Can I return the product for a refund?
- Yes! Bring the bottle (or a proof of purchase) to any Trader Joe’s location for a full refund.
- What if I already drank some of the water?
- If you didn’t notice any glass shards and feel fine, you’re likely okay. However, if you experience pain, cuts, or discomfort, seek medical help.
- Are all Gerolsteiner Sparkling Water bottles recalled?
- No, only the 750mL bottles with specific lot codes are affected.
- Can I still buy Gerolsteiner Sparkling Water?
- Yes! Other unaffected batches remain safe to drink.
- What should I do if I accidentally cut myself while handling the bottle?
- Treat minor cuts with soap, water, and a bandage. If the cut is deep or won’t stop bleeding, see a doctor immediately.
- Can broken bottles explode under pressure?
- While they won’t “explode,” pressure from carbonated water could cause sudden cracks or splintering, especially if dropped.
- Is this a common issue with glass-bottled drinks?
- While rare, glass bottle defects can occur if production isn’t closely monitored.
- How can I avoid buying recalled products in the future?
- Always check the FDA recall list before purchasing bulk beverages.
Here’s what you should do
- Check Your Bottles: Look for the affected lot codes on the label.
- Handle with Care: If you have a recalled bottle, do not drink from it or attempt to open it.
- Dispose Safely: Wrap the bottle in a plastic bag and place it in the trash.
- Visit Trader Joe’s for a Refund: No receipt is required.
- Contact Customer Service: Trader Joe’s Customer Relations: (626) 599-3817.
Behind the brand
Trader Joe’s is known for its unique, affordable products. However, this isn’t their first recall. In February 2024, Trader Joe’s recalled cotija cheese due to Listeria contamination. In addition, similar issues occurred. On February 12, 2025, Spicin Foods Inc. recalled over 10,000 bottles of its Noble Made Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce due to customer complaints of bottles foaming upon opening.
This highlights the importance of strong quality control to ensure product safety.
“Food safety goes beyond just meeting regulations—it’s about protecting consumers and preserving trust. When dealing with fragile packaging like glass bottles, brands must enforce rigorous quality control and proactive testing. Even one recall can impact customer confidence, but a strong commitment to safety helps ensure long-term reliability.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall serves as a reminder of why stringent quality control is essential in the food and beverage industry. Glass bottle integrity is a serious safety concern, and suppliers must improve their production and packaging standards.
As a consumer, staying informed helps you avoid risks. If you have purchased the recalled Gerolsteiner Sparkling Water, dispose of it safely and request a refund.
For more industry insights or to explore high-quality ingredients, contact us today!
