Jhapa, September 22

Coliform was detected in bottled water produced by four water bottling plants in Jhapa. However, the water is being distributed and sold openly in the market.

Coliform was found in Lifecare bottled water of Devipathibhara Industries, Lifecare of Prakash Beverage Industries, O-Aqua of Bhagawati Beverage and Aqua Top of Makalu Mineral Water. The water from these bottling plants was found to be below standard and unfit for drinking.

Province 1 Ministry of Social Development has issued a press statement, saying water from the bottling plants was of sub-standard quality. The ministry had directed Jhapa DAO to ban the sale and distribution of water bottled by these industries.

Social Development Minister JeevanGhimire had inspected nine water bottling plants some 15 days ago and collected water samples.

When water samples from nine water plaints were tested at Food Technology and Quality Control Regional Office, Biratnagar, coliform was detected. Food Technology and Quality Control Office, Biratnagar, has already written to stop the sale and distribution of water from the four bottling plants.

Despite this, water is being sold and distributed openly in the market. DAO Jhapa, Food and technology Office and local government have not bothered to inspect the market and implement the directive of the food and technology office.