Alert over bottled water that ‘smells like paint thinner’
A SCOTTISH drinks maker has pulled flavoured water from shelves after people complained it smelled ‘like paint thinner’.
Food watchdogs last night urged the public not to drink the affected Macb flavoured water after several customers reported that it smelled and tasted unpleasant.
Government agency Food Standards Scotland (FSS) said it was working with the firm as part of a probe into the complaints after one customer complained of feeling unwell after drinking Macb strawberry and kiwi flavoured water.
The firm behind Macb insisted that there were no safety issues and said the unpleasant taste and smell was ‘a quality issue’.
One customer posted a video on social media showing a ‘white substance’ floating in a 1.5 litre bottle of the Macb water.
Others said it smelled ‘like nail polish remover’ and had thrown bottles away without drinking any.
Davie Taylor claimed he was ‘thinking about going to A&E’ after drinking the product.
He wrote on Facebook: ‘Opened a 1.5 litre bottle this morning and had big drink.
‘Wasn’t until the smell and taste hit me that I realised there was something wrong.
‘It smells like paint thinner and there were white floaters in the water. As the day has gone on my throat’s tight and stomach is dodgy.’
Lorraine Main bought a bottle of the strawberry and kiwi drink for her child from a supermarket in
‘Throat tight and stomach dodgy’
Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire. She wrote: ‘It smells awful and has white floaters in it. I feel sick thinking I gave it to my child but thankfully she didn’t drink much.’
Yesterday, FSS officials confirmed they were working with the manufacturer to establish the cause of the complaints.
A spokesman said: ‘We are aware of an investigation involving Macb strawberry and kiwi flavoured bottled water following reports by consumers of feeling unwell after drinking it.
‘Macb has voluntarily instigated a withdrawal of some of their products from sale.
‘We will continue to work with the business regarding this and further information will be issued as soon as it becomes available.
‘As a precautionary measure, we would advise consumers not to drink Macb water.’
Derbyshire firm Cott Beverages, which make the drink at its factory in Macduff, Banffshire, said it had launched an investigation into the complaints.
A spokesman said: ‘We have been made aware of a quality issue relating to our Macb strawberry and kiwi flavoured drink.
‘Please be assured that while the drink may be unpleasant to taste, this is not a food safety issue.’
Cott Beverages, which also makes drinks brands including Old Jamaica ginger beer, bought the Macb brand as part of its takeover of soft drinks company Sangs in 2012.
Around 60 workers are employed at the Macduff facility.