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PESHAWAR, Oct 2 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Food Authority has completed its province-wide water testing campaign, declaring 40 percent of bottled water samples substandard and hazardous to health.
For the first time, the newly established Provincial Food Testing Laboratory and Center for Research carried out large-scale testing of food and water products in the province.
According to officials on Thursday, 156 bottled water samples—ranging from 19-liter containers to 300 ml bottles—were tested. Results showed that 59.61% met quality standards, while 40.39% were found to be unsafe and substandard.
Director General of Food Safety and Halal Food Authority, Wasif Saeed, briefed the provincial Food Minister, Zahir Shah Toru, on the findings. The report revealed the presence of dangerous bacteria, including Coliform, Fecal Coliform, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 61 bottled water samples, while two samples contained harmful chemical substances posing serious risks to human health.
During the campaign, 56 water sources were also tested—27 were satisfactory, while 29 were declared unsafe. The report further stated that 143 active water industries in the province collectively produce 419,096 liters of bottled water daily, out of which 117,543 liters were deemed unsafe. The water testing drive was conducted between August 23 and September 19, 2025.
The minister was informed that in the second phase testing will extend to government and private water filtration plants, as well as other water sources across residential areas.
Minister Zahir Shah Toru said heavy fines have already been imposed on industries producing unsafe water, with strict orders to recall contaminated stock from the market. He added that products from failed industries will remain banned until their processing systems are rectified.