Muscat – The Company has issued a disclosure on the Muscat Stock Exchange to underscore its transparency and product safety following concerns raised by a circular from the Food Safety and Quality Center (FSQC) regarding specific batches of its drinking water.

In response to the concerns raised on this issue, the company stated that it appointed two independent and certified laboratories – Atyab Laboratories and Shatha Materials Testing Services – to conduct extensive tests on water samples from the production dates specified in the FSQC circular.

The Company also made a visit to the Center to obtain a copy of the lab results, either from South Sharqiyah Municipality or the Center. However, the company has not received any official communication on this matter, as the reports were only verbally communicated with no printed copies provided.

Pointing out the results of the laboratory tests, the Company stated: “We are pleased to announce that the independent laboratories commissioned by the company to retest the water samples in question have yielded different results. The tests confirm that the components of these samples comply with the health and safety standards of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Specifically, the bromate levels in the batch under discussion were found to be within the approved limits set by the GCC, contrary to what was circulated on social media. In the interest of full transparency, we are pleased to make all these laboratory reports available to the public along with this statement.

The statement expressed regret over the misinformation spreading on social media, which has adversely affected the company’s reputation.

“The company deeply regrets the way this matter has been handled on social media, which has negatively impacted the reputation of our water products in the market. We assure you that we will take all necessary steps to assess the damage and address its effects. We will continue to communicate with the Food Safety and Quality Center and other relevant authorities to uphold the principle of transparency and to understand the reasons behind the discrepancies between the readings from the center’s laboratories and those of South Sharqiyah Municipality, as soon as we receive a copy of those readings and details of the samples they used,” it added.

The National Mineral Water Company reiterated its dedication to maintaining the highest safety and quality standards for its products and to protecting the interests of its customers and shareholders.