Six brands of specific batches of packaged drinking water in the market have been found to be contaminated with coliform bacteria when tested at the Central Laboratory, Ernakulam, by the State Pollution Control Board.
The brands that tested positive for the presence of coliform bacteria, as per the report of the PCB, are Kingfisher, Kinley, Pure Drops, Chandrika, Gopika Cool Water, and Hornbill
Following the report of the PCB, the Food Safety Commissioner has now issued orders that the sale of the specific batches of packaged drinking water brands be stopped immediately and to take necessary steps to recall these batches from the market.
The Commissioner has also directed the Assistant Food Safety Commissioner (Intelligence) to immediately collect statutory samples of these brands of packaged drinking water and to send these for testing in the food safety labs.
Stringent measures, including a total ban on these brands of packaged water, will be taken if any of the brands are found to be unsafe for consumption, the order says.
