Trader Joe’s Recalls Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water Due to Potential Shattering Hazard
Trader Joe’s has issued a recall for specific bottles of Gerolsteiner Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, an imported German product, due to concerns that the glass containers may shatter unexpectedly. This recall was announced on March 12, 2023, and affects bottles with the lot codes 11/28/2024 L and 11/27/2024 L. The issue was identified during production-related research, which revealed that approximately 1% of the bottles in the affected lots may be cracked or damaged. The problematic bottles were sold at Trader Joe’s stores for around $3 each.
Consumers are advised to immediately stop using any bottles with the specified lot codes and to dispose of them carefully. The company is offering a full refund to customers who return the recalled bottles to any Trader Joe’s location. Importantly, no injuries related to the shattering bottles have been reported so far, but the recall is a proactive measure to ensure customer safety.
Details of the Recall and Affected Products
The recall involves Gerolsteiner Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, a popular imported brand from Germany. The affected bottles are part of two specific lot codes: 11/28/2024 L and 11/27/2024 L. These lot codes can be found on the packaging or the bottle itself. According to Trader Joe’s, the potential issue affects only a small percentage of the bottles in these lots, but the company is taking a cautious approach to protect its customers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that approximately 61,500 units are impacted by this recall.
Trader Joe’s has instructed customers not to consume the water from the affected bottles and to handle them with care to avoid injury. The company is encouraging customers to return the recalled bottles to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. Customers will not need to provide proof of purchase, but they must return the bottle to receive a refund, which can be given in cash or store credit.
Cause of the Recall and Identification of the Issue
The recall was initiated after Trader Joe’s conducted research related to bottle breakage during production. The investigation revealed that a small percentage of bottles in the specified lot codes may have defects that could cause them to shatter. While the exact cause of the damage is not fully detailed in the announcement, the company has emphasized that this is a precautionary measure to prevent any potential harm to consumers.
The issue appears to be isolated to the two lot codes mentioned, and Trader Joe’s has assured customers that the problem is limited to a small portion of the bottles. The company’s proactive approach to identifying and addressing the issue demonstrates its commitment to maintaining product quality and customer safety.
Trader Joe’s Response and Refund Process
Trader Joe’s has taken swift action to address the issue by issuing the recall and providing clear instructions for customers. The company has advised consumers to stop using the affected bottles immediately and to dispose of them carefully to avoid any risk of injury. Customers are encouraged to return the bottles to any Trader Joe’s location for a full refund. The refund process is designed to be straightforward, with no proof of purchase required, though customers must bring the recalled bottle to the store.
In addition to the refund, Trader Joe’s has provided a customer service contact for those with questions or concerns. Customers can reach out to Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817 for further assistance. This level of support reflects the company’s commitment to resolving the issue efficiently and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Previous Recall and Pattern of Proactive Safety Measures
This recall comes just a month after Trader Joe’s issued another recall for its frozen Organic Acai Bowls in February 2023. In that case, the company recalled the product due to the potential presence of foreign material, specifically plastic, in the bowls. Similar to the current recall, customers were advised to dispose of the affected products or return them to the store for a refund.
While the two recalls are unrelated, they demonstrate Trader Joe’s proactive approach to addressing potential safety issues. The company’s willingness to act quickly and transparently in response to product concerns is a positive step toward maintaining trust with its customers.
Conclusion and What Consumers Should Do
In conclusion, Trader Joe’s has issued a recall for certain bottles ofGerolsteiner Sparkling Natural Mineral Water due to the potential risk of the glass shattering. The affected bottles are identified by the lot codes 11/28/2024 L and 11/27/2024 L. Customers are advised to stop using these bottles immediately and to return them to any Trader Joe’s location for a full refund. The company has emphasized that no injuries have been reported, but this recall is a precautionary measure to ensure customer safety.
Consumers with questions or concerns can contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817. By taking these steps, Trader Joe’s continues to prioritize customer safety and maintain its reputation for quality and transparency. If you have any of the affected bottles, please follow the company’s instructions to ensure your safety and obtain a refund.
