ARK LAND BOTTLED WATER MAY CONTAIN ARSENIC, CANADA’S FOOD WATCHDOG WARNS

CBC British Columbia, Canada
March 15 2007

Some bottles of Ark Land brand bottled water may contain arsenic, a
pollutant known to cause cancer in humans, Canada’s food watchdog says.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a recall Wednesday
of Ark Land brand Naturally Carbonated Mineral Water sold in
330-millilitre(UPC 7 85000 12033 9) and 500-ml (UPC 7 85000 12050 6)
bottles with a best before date of 09/05/07.

Long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic may cause thickening
and discolouration of skin, nausea, diarrhea, irregular heart rhythm
and blood vessel damage. Short-term exposure can cause symptoms
including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, numbness and
loss of movement.

The water, imported from Armenia-based Arzni Source, was distributed
in Ontario and Quebec and possibly across Canada.

The CFIA is monitoring the recall of the water from the marketplace.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with consumption of
the product.

For more information, consumers can call CFIA at 1-800-442-2342.