The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) has extended the health alert for the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria in mineral water marketed in several parts of the country. The update, made public after receiving new analyses from the health authorities of Castilla-La Mancha, confirms that the contamination affects more formats than initially detected.
The case involves the Fuente Madre brand and has led to a preventive recall of products in several autonomous communities.
Which mineral water is contaminated: affected brands, batches and packaging
The investigation into the quality of Fuente Madre bottled water was expanded following results submitted through the Coordinated System for the Rapid Exchange of Information (SCIRI).
Although the first communication on November 27 focused only on 1.5-liter bottles, the latest analyses detected the presence of the bacteria also in 5-liter and 8-liter bottles.
The affected products share the same expiration date (December 31, 2027) and ambient storage temperature. These are the lots included in the alert:
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1.5 liter bottles: lot 1 040725
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5 liter carafes: lot 5290425
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8-liter carafes: lot L 8050525
The AESAN reports that the batches were initially distributed in Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura, although it does not rule out that the product has reached other regions through commercial redistribution. For this reason, an extended follow-up is being carried out to determine the real scope.
Recalls and recommendations for consumers
Following confirmation of the bacterial contamination, the regional health authorities have activated the product recall protocols, working to ensure that the affected bottles disappear from establishments where they may still be available.
AESAN insists that no person should consume water belonging to the lots indicated. The agency stresses that, in case of any doubt, the consumer should discard the bottle or hand it in at the point of sale for proper management.
The recommendation is especially strict for vulnerable groups, such as immunocompromised persons, newborns or the elderly with previous pathologies.
What is the risk posed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria?
The presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in drinking water represents a health risk that varies according to the health status of the consumer. This bacterium can cause:
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Gastrointestinal infections, such as diarrhea or abdominal discomfort.
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Respiratory complications in immunosuppressed persons or with previous pathologies.
In healthy individuals, occasional exposure usually has little or no repercussions; however, if symptoms appear after consuming the affected water, it is recommended that a health professional be consulted to rule out complications.
AESAN will continue to update the information as controls and product recalls progress.
