Coliform detected in bottled water in Biratnagar
Biratnagar, August 3
Coliform bacteria has been detected in bottled water supplied by as many as 11 water industries in Biratnagar.
A team led deployed from Province 1 Ministry of Social Development had inspected 26 water industries operating in Biratnagar a fortnight ago. Of the 26 water industries, coliform was detected in water samples collected from 11 industries during the test. The test found low PH level in the water produced by three industries.
The Ministry of Social Development has issued a directive to the Office of Food Technology and Quality Control to take action against 14 water industries.
Earlier, six water industries were sealed for failing to meet minimum standards during the monitoring while water samples from 20 industries were collected for test.
According to Social Development Minister Jivan Ghimire, coliform has been detected in the water bottled by Gangajal, Puja Food and Beverage Industries, Haimall Water Industries, Gomarani Water Industry, Shuvjal Industry, Tirupati Water Industry, Mountain Water Industries, Shreejal Industry, Johnson Water Industry, Dibyashree Water Industry and Shital Water Industry.
PH level has been found low in Bhumi Water Industry, Mangalam Water Industry, and SSS Water Industry. Minister Ghimire said his ministry had directed the Food Technology and Quality Control Office take action against the water industries.
The team led by deputy secretary Gopi Ghimire at the Ministry of Social Development had conducted the monitoring of the water industries. “The test report of the water sample collected from water industries shows that the water was not drinkable,” Gopi Ghimire added.
Chief Pramod Koirala at the Regional Food Technology and Quality Control Office Biratnagar said his office had started the process of taking action against the erring water industries.
“We will serve 15-day deadline to industries to improve the quality of bottled water they supply. But, if they fail to meet the criteria, a case will be filed against them,” Koirala said.
Coliform was detected in water distributed by Drinking Water Corporation in Biratnagar two years ago. Jaundice had broken out due to coliform-contaminated water then. As many as 12 persons had died while many were taken ill after drinking the water.
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