Health Ministry says new Tannourine samples taken from market uncontaminated

The Health Ministry announced overnight that nine new Tannourine mineral water samples taken from the Lebanese market have tested free of bacteria.

The Ministry however noted that it is yet to receive the results of tests conducted on water samples taken from the company’s production line.

“After the results get released soon, the company will be informed in light of these results and the according to the reports of health inspection of the administrative, technical and health conditions that it should abide by to ensure the water’s safety and subsequently citizens’ health,” the Ministry said in a statement.

It added that it will hold a press conference in this regard when all results become available.

Health Ministry sources had told the al-Modon news portal that the Ministry had taken samples from Tannourine and other water companies after poisoning cases were recorded.

“After the samples were tested, the result confirmed the presence of bacteria in some of them, and accordingly the Health Ministry took its precautionary measure” of suspending the company’s work and pulling its products from shelves.

Sources in the town of Tannourine meanwhile told al-Modon that “the contamination of Tannourine’s water is a factual matter, seeing as there are three artesian wells from which Tannourine extracts and purifies water.”

“One of the wells was dug four years ago and another was dug 10 years ago and these wells are uncontaminated. The problem of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria started because of the new well from which the company is extracting water,” the town sources said.

“The dignitaries of the town of Tannourine are meeting with the company’s administration to mull how to deal with the contaminated water situation, in order to preserve the company’s reputation and the future of its 600 workers,” the source added.

“The new management must be held accountable for extracting water from the third well,” the source said.

Health Ministry sources had also told al-Akhbar newspaper that the Ministry tested Tannourine’s bottled water after “recurrent complaints about water poisoning cases,” adding that “the company was informed of the complaints and did not take action.”

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria can cause an infection that can affect skin, blood, lungs, GI tract and other parts of the human body. Pseudomonas bacteria are common in the environment, especially water, soil and produce. Symptoms vary according to where the infection is in the body. Treatment usually includes at least one type of antibiotic.

It’s rare for a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection to develop in people with a healthy immune system. But it can be serious and potentially deadly if a person has a weakened immune system (immunocompromised). Common causes of a weakened immune system include:

- Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

- Cancer

- Cystic fibrosis

- Diabetes

- HIV and AIDS

- Kidney disease

- Liver disease

- Organ transplants, such as a heart transplant or lung transplant

- Pregnancy

- Severe burns

- Surgery