Reports of mouldy water leads to investigation

An investigation is underway after reports some batches of bottled water from drinks company Coca Cola may have been contaminated with mould.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry expects the Food Safety Authority (FSA) investigation to be completed next month.

Nationally 70 people have complained to Coca Cola about the water with 13 reported ill since drinking it, Coca-Cola Amatil New Zealand corporate affairs manager Suzy Clarkson said.

Last month all flavoured water, regardless of expiry date was recalled after a testing process showed a problem with sterilisation during the manufacturing process.

Products with later expiry dates were made under a revised manufacturing process, but continued testing found water outside of the June 1 date range had the potential to be affected, Ms Clarkson told the Southland Times.

The company was now waiting the outcome of the investigation.

- NZPA