By Xenom 
The Berkeley Club Beverages recall terminated officially on November 13, 2024, marking the end of a two-month process that began when the company voluntarily pulled select water products from shelves.
This recall directly affected US distribution in three states, making it important for American consumers to understand what happened, whether their products were affected, and what the termination means for bottled water safety.
The Complete Berkeley Springs Water Recall Timeline
I’ve been tracking this bottled water recall situation since it first broke in September. The Berkeley Club Beverages recall process offers a textbook example of how product safety systems should function.
Berkeley Club Beverages voluntarily recalled specific batches of their bottled water products on September 12, 2024 after their internal quality testing revealed concerns.
The recall specifically targeted their “Berkeley Springs Water Purified” and “Berkeley Springs Water Distilled” products.
These products were packaged in 1-gallon and 5-gallon plastic containers with specific batch codes.
The trigger for the recall? Quality testing found potential coliform bacteria contamination in certain production batches.
The Massive Reporting Error That Changed Everything
This is where the story takes an unexpected turn.
The FDA’s initial enforcement report published around November 8 stated that over 150,000 bottles were involved in the Berkeley Springs water recall.
News outlets quickly picked up this alarming figure and it spread across publications.
But there was just one problem – the number was completely wrong.
Both Berkeley Club Beverages and FDA spokespersons later issued corrections clarifying that only 1,034 bottles were actually part of the recall.
That’s roughly 150 times fewer bottles than initially reported!
A Berkeley Club spokesperson called it a “tremendous mistake” in the FDA’s original report, as revealed in Newsweek’s coverage of the situation.
Limited Distribution Area and Product Identification
The Berkeley Club Beverages recall only affected products distributed in three specific US states:
- West Virginia (where Berkeley Club Beverages is based)
- Maryland
- Virginia
How to identify affected Berkeley Springs Water products:
The recalled bottles carried these specific batch codes:
- 090326
- 090426
- 090526
- 090626
If you’ve purchased Berkeley Springs Water recently, check these codes to determine if your product was affected by the recall.
FDA’s Class III Classification and Swift Berkeley Club Beverages Recall Termination
On November 8, 2024, the FDA officially classified this as a Class III recall – their lowest risk category.
This classification confirms exposure to the recalled product was “not likely to cause adverse health consequences” based on their assessment.
Just five days later, on November 13, the Berkeley Club Beverages recall terminated officially.
This quick resolution came after regulators confirmed the company had:
- Successfully recovered the majority of affected bottles
- Properly quarantined all recovered product
- Completed destruction of the recalled items
The official termination occurred when the FDA determined “all reasonable efforts have been made to remove or correct the product in accordance with the recall strategy.”
Real-World Impact for Berkeley Springs Water Consumers
The most significant takeaway? No illnesses were reported throughout this entire recall process.
The Class III designation combined with the quick termination strongly suggests the actual risk to public health was minimal.
Berkeley Club Beverages demonstrated responsible corporate behavior by:
- Initiating the recall voluntarily before any consumer complaints
- Acting quickly to recover affected products from distribution
- Working actively to correct the substantial quantity error in public reporting
This proactive approach likely prevented any potential health issues before they could occur.
Common Questions About the Berkeley Club Beverages Bottled Water Recall
What exactly is coliform bacteria and why does it matter in bottled water?
Coliforms are bacteria naturally found in soil, water, and animal waste. Most coliform bacteria aren’t directly harmful, but their presence in bottled water serves as an indicator that water treatment processes may have been compromised, potentially allowing other pathogens to enter the water. The FDA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for coliforms in bottled water.
Why did the FDA classify this as Class III instead of more serious Class I or II?
The FDA assigns Class III status when a product violates regulations but is unlikely to cause adverse health effects. This classification – the lowest risk level – suggests testing found coliform bacteria (which violates regulations) but not more dangerous pathogens like E. coli that would trigger a higher risk classification.
Can I still buy and drink Berkeley Springs Water products now that the recall terminated?
Yes. The FDA’s termination of the recall confirms the company successfully addressed the specific issue with those limited batches. Current Berkeley Springs Water products on shelves should meet all safety standards.
What should I do if I discover I have one of the recalled Berkeley Club Beverages bottles?
While extremely unlikely given the small quantity and successful recovery efforts, if you find a bottle with one of the batch codes listed above, don’t consume it. Contact Berkeley Club Beverages directly for guidance on proper disposal or replacement.
How can I stay informed about future bottled water recalls?
You can monitor FDA recall announcements on their website or register for email alerts about food safety issues, including bottled water recalls. The FDA maintains a dedicated recall portal where American consumers can search for current recalls and sign up for alerts about bottled water safety issues similar to the Berkeley Club Beverages recall.
Key Lessons from the Berkeley Club Beverages Recall Termination
This bottled water recall termination case perfectly illustrates how product safety systems should ideally function for American consumers:
- Companies conducting regular testing to catch issues early
- Voluntary action before consumer complaints arise
- Clear regulatory oversight and classification
- Efficient product recovery and disposal
- Transparent communication (despite the initial reporting error)
The Berkeley Club Beverages recall process demonstrates effective safety procedures that protect US consumers from potential health risks, showing how the FDA and responsible companies work together to maintain bottled water safety.
The biggest lesson? Even with the significant reporting mistake, the safety system worked exactly as intended to protect public health.
The Berkeley Club Beverages recall terminated successfully with zero reported illnesses – proof that when companies act responsibly and regulators provide proper oversight, potential health risks can be effectively managed before affecting consumers.