Fungus found in packaged water
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 24 2014:
Informing that traces of fungus have been detected in packaged drinking water brand, Evoke, manufactured by Bisra Aqua Minerals, Imphal West Chief Medical Officer Sarungbam Bimolakumari has cautioned the general public not to use this particular brand until results of laboratory testing come.
Speaking at a press conference held in her office chamber, S Bimolakumari, who is also the Designated Officer of Imphal West Food Safety Wing, said that the brand has been temporarily banned from the market until a laboratory testing is conducted on the samples of this brand.
She said that based on a reliable information, officials of Imphal West Food Safety Wing raided a shop located near Tiddim Ground, Kwakeithel and seized three 20 litre bottles,one 1 litre bottle and one .5 litre water bottles of the brand, which had traces of fungus.
On the label of these water bottles, Bimolakumari said, Packaging Nature, Food Safety Mark, Packaging Date, Expiry Date, Batch Number which must be mandatorily printed were all ignored by the manufacturer, she added.
Saying that the water samples of this particular brand would be sent for laboratory testing, Bimolakumari said that the manufacturing company might face a penalty ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh in case the samples are found unfit for human consumption.
Bisra Aqua Minerals is owned by one Romila Thounaojam and its brand Evoke is manufactured at Takyel Industrial Estate.
Bimolakumari said that the State Health Department issued licence of manufacturing packaged drinking water to Evoke in 2012 .
She also urged the general public to be vigilant regarding such cases as water is the main cause for many diseases.
Meanwhile, a press release issued by Bisra Aqua Minerals Production Manager RK Brojendro said that Batch No.date past on the cap of 20 litre jar was found missing when their distributers visited CMO's office.