2024-04-05 02:37:23
CONTROL
The National Agency for Health Regulation, Control and Surveillance (Arcsa) detected bacteria in batches of seven brands of bottled water, which are marketed in Ecuador.
According to this entity, mesophilic aerobes were found. These bacteria, at high levels, “can generate favorable conditions” for the multiplication of other bacteria that “can be harmful for human consumption.”
For this reason, Arcsa ordered the withdrawal of these batches of products in the national market and also that their marketing be completely suspended.
The seven brands of bottled water and the contaminated lots are: Fresh Water (LOT 001), Agua Vital (LOT LT-295), Ecovital (LOT 11/19/2023), Your Clean Water (LOT 02), Eclipse (LOT 8 -1-2024) and Sed Aqua (LOT 03A981).
In addition, “high levels” of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found in the indicated batches of the Fresh Water and Your Clean Water brands. These bacteria cause several health conditions such as stomach, intestinal, urinary, and skin infections, among others.
On March 27, 2024, Arcsa also warned about the discovery of arsenic, which is a heavy metal, in batches of two rice products and a brand of bottled water.