Fiji Water Lawsuit Raises Concerns About Microplastics

The Plastic Pollution Coalition has accused The Wonderful Company, LLC and FIJI Water, LLC of misleading consumers about the purity and environmental impact of FIJI Water. Filed in the District of Columbia Superior Court on January 31, 2025, the lawsuit claims that despite FIJI Water's marketing as "natural artesian water," independent tests have found the presence of microplastics and bisphenol-A (BPA), which are harmful to human health.

Why It Matters

Growing concerns about microplastics in drinking water and the environmental impact of bottled water are at the forefront of the lawsuit against FIJI Water. FIJI Water is promoted as a pristine product, untouched by human activity and protected from external elements. However, the presence of microplastics and BPA contradicts these claims, according to the lawsuit, pointing to a broader issue of plastic pollution in supposedly natural products. The case also highlights the challenges of regulating and truthfully marketing bottled water in an era where consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental and health impacts of their food and lifestyle choices.

What To Know

The complaint alleges that FIJI Water contains microplastics and BPA, substances linked to serious health issues including hormonal disruptions and diseases such as cancer. The Plastic Pollution Coalition, a project of the Earth Island Institute, is not pursuing financial compensation but aims for a court order to halt what it describes as deceptive marketing practices by FIJI Water under the Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA). "We vehemently dispute the allegations against us, and will assert a vigorous defense against these claims. Simply put, FIJI Water is natural, sourced from nature, and any claim stating otherwise is ludicrous and should not be entertained," a FIJI Water spokesperson told Newsweek. According to data presented in the complaint, a World Wildlife Fund International study found that approximately 94 percent of tap water samples in the U.S. had plastic fibers present, while a separate study found numerous bottled water brands may contain twice as many microplastics as those detected in tap water. A 2024 study, funded in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), discovered that bottled water could have up to 1,000 times more nanoplastic particles than previously estimated. "Research shows that bottled water frequently contains more micro- and nanoplastics than tap water. Even if the water starts out clean, the plastic packaging of bottled water can contaminate the water. Studies have found that just opening and closing the bottle cap can release a significant amount of micro- and nanoplastic particles into the water," Jessica J. Goddard, PhD, chief science officer at SimpleLab, Inc and Tap Score, told Newsweek.

What People Are Saying

A FIJI Water spokesperson told Newsweek: "This is a frivolous lawsuit which exists only to 'make an example' out of a brand and distract resources. FIJI Water stands fully behind the quality of its product, which is sourced directly from a natural artesian aquifer in Fiji. FIJI Water does not use BPA bottles or caps, and only uses the highest quality polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin." Scott Hochberg, general counsel of Earth Island Institute, said in a press release: "Truth in advertising matters. Microplastics and BPA are neither natural nor healthy, and consumers deserve the truth about the products they consume. We will continue to hold companies like The Wonderful Company and FIJI Water accountable for claims that contradict the true impacts of their products on our health and the environment." Julia Cohen, co-founder and managing director of Plastic Pollution Coalition, said in a press release: "Marketing bottled water in ways that portray it as healthy, safe, and sustainable is misleading to consumers, who are increasingly looking for products that are better for the environment and their health. While bottled water companies continue to tout their products as natural, the reality is that there is nothing natural about plastic. Plastic contaminates drinking water, the environment, and our bodies with hazardous microplastics and plastic chemicals." Jessica J. Goddard, PhD, chief science officer at SimpleLab, Inc and Tap Score, told Newsweek: "Ideally bottled water companies allow honest, third party researchers to evaluate the levels and types of micro- and nanoplastics in bottled water and in tap water and share the data publicly. This would enable companies to make better decisions about materials sourcing if they find spikes of micro- and nanoplastics with specific plastic types, as well as provide customers with data to make informed decisions."

What Happens Next

The lawsuit will proceed through the District of Columbia's legal system, where it will be determined whether FIJI Water's marketing claims constitute false advertising under the CPPA. This case could set a precedent for how similar claims are handled by the bottled water industry, potentially leading to stricter regulations on marketing and more robust standards for disclosing contaminants like microplastics and BPA. Update 2/5/2025 4:57 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with comment from FIJI Water.