October 4, 1996

NATURAL SPRINGS BOTTLED WATER RECALL ANNOUNCEDSPRINGFIELD, IL -- A voluntary recall of Natural Springs bottled water, distributed in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee by Marion Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co., was announced today by Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director, due to bacterial contamination.

This action is in addition to a voluntary recall announced last week by Marion Pepsi-Cola of another line of bottled water it produces -- Crisp 'N Clear -- also because of bacterial contamination.

Consumers are asked to return any Natural Springs bottled water, which is packaged in 1-gallon, 2 1/2-gallon and 5-gallon containers, to the place of purchase for credit or exchange for products of like package size distributed by Marion Pepsi-Cola. Marion Pepsi-Cola last week agreed to the same credit or exchange for Crisp 'N Clear bottled water.

Dr. Lumpkin reminded retailers that both Natural Springs and Crisp 'N Clear bottled water should immediately be removed from store shelves and not be sold, pending a pickup by Marion Pepsi-Cola drivers. The product will be destroyed.

Dr. Lumpkin said the coliform bacteria found in Natural Springs and Crisp 'N Clear bottled water is of minimal health risk, but the levels exceed federal and state water quality standards. The presence of coliform bacteria is an indicator of problems with the Marion Pepsi-Cola bottled water production lines.

Store samples of Natural Springs water were collected this week by the Illinois Department of Public Health and analyzed at the Department's laboratory. Some samples were found to have coliform bacteria counts in excess of the 2.2 coliform organisms per 100 milliliters of water that is the federal and state bottled water quality standard.

Previously, laboratory tests by Kentucky and Illinois health departments had found unacceptably high levels of coliform bacteria in bottles of Crisp 'N Clear. Although the product was recalled September 27 by Marion Pepsi-Cola, Department and U.S. Food and Drug Administration staff have found the product still is on some store shelves.

All bottled water production at the Marion Pepsi-Cola plant has been voluntarily discontinued until the contamination problem has been resolved and bottled water test results meet federal and state standards.

Consumers who have questions regarding Crisp 'N Clear and Natural Springs bottled water may contact Marion Pepsi-Cola customer service at 800-827-7020. The voluntary recalls have been instituted in cooperation with Marion Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments