FDA Monitoring Michigan Water Recall Months After Black Substance Found

For a few months, it felt like there were far fewer food recalls compared to early 2025. But 2026 has now delivered a recall involving one of life’s most basic essentials, water. Before handing your kids a bottle on the way out the door, health officials say it’s important to double check the label.

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The initial recall was issued back in November, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced last week that it is still monitoring the situation. The recall involves close to 40,000 gallons of distilled water sold across the Midwest after a floating black substance was found in several one gallon jugs of Meijer Steam Distilled Water.

How to Identify the Recalled Water Jugs

Because bottled water has a long shelf life, health officials are concerned that many of the recalled products may still be sitting in homes, garages, and storage areas. The affected jugs have a UPC code of 041250841197 and a best by date of Oct. 4, 2026. The lot code listed on the bottle is 39-222 #3.

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According to Yahoo News, the recalled water was sold at Meijer locations throughout Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio.

What Michigan Consumers Should Do With Recalled Water

Months after the recall was first announced, there is still no new information explaining how the water became contaminated or what caused the black substance to form inside the jugs. The FDA continues to warn consumers not to drink the recalled water.

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Instead, customers are advised to return the affected bottles to their local Meijer store for a refund or replacement. If returning the water is not possible, officials say the safest option is to dispose of the contaminated jugs.