The Ministry of Health and Environmental Services is cracking down on a scam, in which several independent distributors have been selling five-gallon bottles filled with well water, rather than purified water.
Responding to several complaints from the public, Parliamentary Secretary Ron Pinder summoned all the bottled water manufacturers on New Providence for a meeting Tuesday to discuss the problem and find a solution to it.
“There were sufficient complaints for us to recognize that this was growing problem. There was a trend of behaviour that had developed,” Mr. Pinder said Wednesday.
The Ministry and local water bottlers, including Aquapure, Chelsea’s Choice, Coral Springs, Bahama Springs, BWP and Arctic Water have joined forces to flush out the illicit manufacturers.
One complaint was enough for the Ministry to act, said Mr. Pinder, who described a complaint from a consumer, who said upon buying a five-gallon bottle from a gas station, took off the seal and proceeded to pour water. A sewage-like aroma changed the person’s mind.
“We request that you, the consumer be more vigilant while purchasing bottled water, know who you are purchasing your bottled water from, make sure that the bottled water purchased is clear and free of debris, avoid old bottles unless you are satisfied that they have been properly cleaned and sanitized, examine the bottles and labels for date of manufacturing, company contact number and address, and immediately report any suspicious bottles and sellers to the Ministry.”
The investigation process, Mr. Pinder said, will begin with tests on bottles believed to be contaminated. There will also be tests for standards by manufacturers.
Independent retailers or “watermen,” who drive through neighbourhoods or set up shop near the roadside are being investigated. The Department of Environmental Health Services believe some are filling bottles with a manufacturer’s label on, with well water.
“In light of this, I want to send a clear message to persons who might be involved in such practices to desist forthwith. The practice of offering for sale unsafe food and products, is in violation of Rule 94 of the Health Rules Chapter 216,” said Mr. Pinder. He also said the Ministry may be reviewing the Act.
He warned that any person found in violation will be prosecuted.
Mr. Pinder said the Ministry will monitor the industry to protect the public from unhealthy production of water. He also said the Environmental Monitoring and Risk Assessment Division’s laboratory staff tests bottled water monthly.
By Khashan Poitier, The Nassau Guardian
