The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority has shared alarming findings from its first province-wide bottled water testing campaign. The results show that nearly 40% of bottled water sold in the province is unsafe for human consumption, raising serious concerns for public health.
According to the authority, 156 bottled water samples of different sizes, including 19-litre cans, 1.5-litre bottles, and smaller packs, were tested at the new Provincial Food Testing Laboratory and Research Centre. Out of these, 59.61% met the quality standards set by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), while 40.39% failed.
Bottled Water Testing Reveals Contamination Risks
The tests revealed hazardous contamination. At least 61 samples showed the presence of harmful microbial organisms, including Coliform, Fecal Coliform, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Two other samples contained harmful chemicals, adding to the risks for consumers. Experts warn that such contaminants can cause serious health problems, especially for children and people with weak immunity.
The report further stated that 56 water source samples were also tested. Out of these, 27 were declared safe while 29 failed to meet standards. According to official data, licensed plants in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa produce around 419,000 litres of bottled water every day. Shockingly, more than 117,000 litres were found substandard in just one month of testing between August 23 and September 19.
The Food Authority has imposed heavy fines on companies whose products failed the tests. Stocks of unsafe bottled water have been recalled and destroyed. Authorities have also suspended production at non-compliant plants until they adopt corrective measures and pass fresh laboratory checks.
Also read Changan Announces Limited-Time Discounts on Oshan X7 in Pakistan
Officials confirmed that the testing campaign will now move to water filtration units and household sources to protect consumers at every level.
Provincial Food Minister Zahir Shah Toru praised the initiative, calling it a landmark step in consumer protection. He credited Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s directives for expanding food safety campaigns. “We are committed to removing hazardous products from the market and protecting public health,” he said.
The government emphasized that this strict regime is not only aimed at ensuring health and safety but also at helping legitimate businesses improve their quality in line with both national and international standards.
