California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not to Drink Metromint Flavored Water

December 5, 2007 -- Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to drink Metromint brand flavored water because it may be contaminated with a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, a microorganism that may cause vomiting or diarrhea. Soma Beverage Co., LLC., of San Francisco is voluntarily recalling all bottles of Metromint brand flavored water (Peppermint, Spearmint, Orangemint and Lemonmint) with a "Best Before" date prior to 2008/12/21 (Dec. 21, 2008) and produced at its California facility because they may be contaminated with Bacillus cereus. The "Best Before" date is on the shoulder of the bottle.

The product was distributed nationwide to grocery stores, including those in California, and sold on the Internet.

There have been no confirmed illnesses in California associated with this product to date. There is an illness complaint in Illinois that is possibly linked to consumption of this product.

The products were packaged in clear plastic 16.9-ounce bottles with a black M on the front and the lettering "KSA" in a rectangle located on back of the bottle in the lower right-hand corner.

The products were sold at the following locations in Northern California: Albertson's, Andronico's, Berkeley Bowl, BevMo!, Brown and Cole, Central Markets, Cost Plus World Market, Draeger's, Elephant Pharmacy, Fiesta Markets, Fred Meyer, Food Emporium, Haggen, Harmon's (UT), Lunardi's, Marlene's, Super Supplements, Mollie Stone's, New Seasons, PCC, Pharmaca, PW Markets, QFD, Rosauers, Safeway, Thriftway, Top Foods, Town and Country, Uwajimaya, Whole Foods Market, Wild Oaks Market, Yokes and Zupans.

In Southern California, the products are sold at AJ's Fine Foods, Albertson's, Baron's Markets, BevMo!, Bristol Farms, Clark's Nutrition, Cost Plus World Market, Erewhon Market, Fry's, Gelson's, Henry's, Jensen's, Jimbo's Naturally, Lazy Acres, Mother's Market, New Frontiers, One World Fine Foods, Organic To Go, Pacific Coast Greens, Pavillions, Pharmaca, Ralph's, Sprouts, Sunflower, Vitality Juice and Java Bar, Vons, Wally's Win and Spirits, Wild Oats Market and Whole Foods Market. Illness caused by Bacillus cereus may be either a vomiting or a diarrheal type. The vomiting type is characterized by nausea and vomiting within 30 minutes to six hours after consumption of contaminated foods. Duration of symptoms is generally less than 24 hours. The diarrheal type usually includes onset of abdominal cramps and watery diarrhea six to 15 hours after consumption of contaminated food. Symptoms may last for 24 to 48 hours.

Consumers in possession of the recalled product should discard it or return it to the point of purchase. Individuals who have become ill from drinking the product should contact their health care provider for evaluation.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at (415) 979-0781, Ext. 101.