The companies have been given a deadline to fix the problems or be permanently shut down.
TIRANA, July 12 – Health inspectors from the National Food Authority say they have temporarily shut down three drinking water packaging and marketing companies that issues the popular six-liter containers after several inspections revealed issues at the facilities.
The companies have been given a deadline to fix the problems or be permanently shut down.
The problems related to machine malfunctions and building problems in most cases, pose direct health risks to consumers.
Rezart Thupi, head of the inspection body, told reporters inspections will continue to make sure businesses respect health guidelines.
“Some of the subjects we blocked for the simple reason that they did not necessarily have the right knowledge or personnel training for the task and did not take the necessary measures in terms of hygiene practices,” Thupi said.
In Tirana alone, there are tens of companies marketing drinking water in large containers and authorities fear many don’t meet the standards when demand for drinking water soars.
While tap water in Tirana is supposed to be safe to drink, most residents prefer to buy bottled water. The problem is that bottled water has often been subject to controversy, especially in the case of the six-liter containers that don’t necessarily need high tech machines in its production.
In the latest case, the analysis of the water showed it to be outside consumer safety parameters.
The companies affected by the shutdown are some of the most common water brands, Shen Meria, Selita, Tirana and Kristal.
For their part, the producers of these brands, all different companies, say they are fully mechanized and meet international quality standards in the water production.
The Food Inspectorate says it has increased its inspections in general during the summer season due to increased risks that come with higher temperatures.
