THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Food safety commissioner G. Gokul has said that strict action would be taken if the packaged drinking water being sold by leading brands is found to be contaminated with coliform bacteria. The food safety officials had lifted samples from 18 batches of packaged drinking water brands and tested them in their designated laboratories.
The move came in the wake of the State Pollution Control Board coming out with a laboratory report citing the presence of coliform bacteria in the packaged drinking water sold by leading brands in some parts of the state. “The samples are being currently analysed. If they fail to meet the required standards, strict action including shutting down of the units will be taken. The batches with high level of coliform bacteria will be immediately withdrawn from the market and if required these brands would be banned,” the food safety commissioner added.
The Pollution Control Board had found the presence of coliform bacteria in the samples collected from drinking water bottles of prominent brands in the state. The inspection teams of the board had lifted samples from outlets in Thrissur and Alappuzha. The tests had found the presence of as high as 40 CFU in 100 ml of water which also indicated faecal contamination.
Coming as it does close on the heels of cholera cases reported from Malappuram, Palakkad and some other parts of the state, the authorities say there is no room for any complacency. Those consuming the contaminated water are highly prone to develop cholera, diarrhoeal diseases and gastrointestinal disorders. The food safety authorities have decided to intensify the collection of samples of packaged drinking water and food during the current monsoon period to prevent the outbreak of water-borne diseases.
