The Food Safety Department J&K has imposed an immediate ban on the sale, storage and distribution of the packaged drinking water brand ‘Ajwa’ after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of harmful bacteria in a sample collected from Srinagar. Officials said the sample tested positive for E. coli and coliform, both indicators of contamination that pose serious health risks.
The department had lifted the sample during routine surveillance, following which it was sent to the laboratory for analysis. The report, received this week, confirmed that the product failed to meet the prescribed safety standards, prompting the authorities to issue an urgent prohibition order.
Officials said the manufacturer and distributors of the brand have been directed to immediately withdraw all existing stock from the market. Enforcement teams have also been asked to conduct checks across districts to ensure compliance with the ban and prevent further circulation of the contaminated product.
The department has advised consumers to stop using the brand with immediate effect and report any suspected violations. It added that strict action will be taken against those found selling or storing the banned product.
Authorities said surveillance has been intensified across the Union Territory to ensure that packaged drinking water available in the market adheres to safety norms and does not pose a risk to public health.
