Over 651,000 Bottled Water Units Recalled Due to ‘Insanitary Conditions’ in Production, FDA Says

More than 651,000 bottles of Valley Springs Artesian Gold bottled water have been recalled after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration determined they were produced under “insanitary conditions,” raising potential health concerns for consumers.

Valley Springs Artesian Gold, LLC, a Wisconsin-based bottler, voluntarily initiated the recall on February 6, 2026, according to an FDA enforcement report. The agency classified the action as Class II on February 26, indicating that use of or exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or the probability of serious adverse health effects is remote.

The recall affects approximately 651,148 units of bottled water sold under the Valley Springs brand. Specific products include one-gallon and multi-gallon jugs, though exact container sizes and UPC codes vary across affected lots. The FDA’s announcement did not detail the precise nature of the insanitary conditions, such as contamination sources, facility hygiene issues or specific pathogens, but emphasized that the water was bottled in an environment failing to meet sanitary standards.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall, based on available information from the FDA and company statements. Consumers who purchased Valley Springs water are urged to check their products and discard or return them for a full refund. The recalled items were distributed primarily in limited regions, though nationwide availability through retail chains or wholesalers cannot be ruled out.

The FDA’s recall database entry lists the action under Event ID 98410, accessible via the agency’s Industry Recall Enforcement Reports system. Affected products were packaged in plastic jugs, with some bearing specific UPCs such as 0 31193-00601 2 for certain one-gallon sizes, according to supplemental reports. Quantities include large volumes: one entry notes 263,440 units of a particular size.

Class II recalls typically involve situations where health risks are low but warrant removal from the market. In this case, potential issues could stem from microbial contamination, chemical residues or foreign materials introduced during bottling due to inadequate sanitation protocols. Bottled water must comply with strict FDA regulations under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, including current good manufacturing practices that mandate clean facilities, proper equipment sterilization and quality control testing.

Valley Springs Artesian Gold sources its water from artesian wells, marketing it as naturally filtered and pure. The company has not issued a public statement detailing corrective actions, but the voluntary recall suggests cooperation with regulators to address the violation promptly. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and may require additional inspections or testing before production resumes.

Consumers with questions can contact the FDA’s consumer complaint coordinators or the company directly, though specific contact information was not immediately detailed in the enforcement notice. The agency advises checking lot codes and expiration dates on bottles, as only certain production runs are affected.

This recall highlights ongoing challenges in the bottled water industry, where occasional lapses in sanitation can lead to large-scale actions. Similar incidents in recent years have involved foreign substances, bacterial contamination or labeling errors, prompting heightened scrutiny of production facilities.

Experts recommend that households review pantry stocks and refrigerator contents for recalled products. If consumed, most individuals are unlikely to experience severe effects given the Class II designation, but those with compromised immune systems should exercise caution.

The FDA encourages reporting any adverse events related to the product through its MedWatch program. As investigations continue, updates may appear on the agency’s recalls, market withdrawals and safety alerts page.

No widespread distribution beyond certain states has been confirmed, but vigilance is advised nationwide. Retailers that carried Valley Springs products are participating in the recall by removing items from shelves and notifying customers.

The incident underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring food and beverage safety. Bottled water, often perceived as a safe alternative to tap, must meet rigorous standards to prevent such issues.

As of February 28, 2026, the recall remains active with no reported expansions or additional affected brands. Consumers should stay informed through official FDA channels for any developments.