Bottled Danger: Packaged drinking water sample declared unsafe

Srinagar, Dec 12: The Food Safety Department J&K imposed an immediate ban on the sale, storage, and distribution of the packaged drinking water brand ‘Ajwa’ after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of dangerous bacteria, E. coli, and coliform in a sample lifted from Srinagar.

The prohibition order DO/FSSA/Sgr/25/661-664 dated December 10 has been issued by the Designated Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety, Srinagar.

The order states that ‘Ajwa’ packaged drinking water manufactured by M/s Saaf Pani located in Khonmoh, Srinagar, has been declared “unsafe”, and unfit for consumption.

The sample, which has been tested at the National Food Testing Laboratory, Ghaziabad, and the report, numbered J-612/25/727/25, dated November 25, 2025, showed the presence of E. coli and Coliform bacteria in it.

These microorganisms can indicate fecal contamination and pose serious health risks.

The health effects include gastrointestinal illnesses, diarrhea, and vomiting.

In severe cases, it could also lead to kidney failure or hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety, Srinagar, Yameen-ul-Nabi has ordered that the sale, storage, distribution, or display of ‘Ajwa’ brand packaged drinking water is strictly prohibited within the jurisdiction of Srinagar.

“This action is taken in the interest of public health and consumer safety,” the notice states.

The prohibition will remain in place until further notice.

In addition, all food business operators, wholesalers, and retailers have been directed to stop sales and distribution of the product.

They have to report their existing stock to the authorities within 48 hours.

The department has invoked sections 36(3)(i) and 18(1)(g) of the Food Safety and Standards Act to enforce the ban with immediate effect.

Coliform bacteria are also present in the environment, soil, vegetation, and intestines of animals.

Coliform count is an indicator of water quality.

Presence of E. coli and fecal coli could happen from water sources getting contaminated with sewage water, animal and human waste, and seepage from contaminated channels.

In India, permissible limits for coliform in packaged drinking water are governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification IS 14543.

According to this, the total coliform bacteria shall not be detectable in any 250 ml sample of water intended for drinking.