- By Arvind Kumar Singh
- Mon, 11 May 2026 04:19 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Packaged drinking water, which is often considered safe and mineral-rich, is under the scanner in Uttar Pradesh, as authorities have found coliform bacteria in sealed water bottles across over 15 districts.
The Food Safety Department team collected sealed drinking water samples and had them tested at the Food Analyst Laboratory in Lucknow.
Dr Roshan Jacob, Commissioner of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, has banned the sale of water from the concerned water plant and has ordered them to recall all water consignment that has reached the market.
Districts and water brands
The coliform bacteria have been found in the drinking water of Ambedkar Nagar, Gonda, Lucknow, Barabanki, Rae Bareli, Lakhimpur Kheri, Gorakhpur, Chitrakoot, Varanasi, Unnao, Rampur, Mainpuri, Azamgarh, Prayagraj, Chandauli, etc.
In December last year, a nationwide investigation was conducted after a dangerous virus was found in drinking water in Bhagirathpur, Indore.
Along with the confirmation of the presence of coliform bacteria, minerals like calcium and magnesium were also found to be less than the prescribed quantity.
| District | Company/Brand |
| Lucknow | Queen, Kiran Bottle Plant, Fit Brand |
| Barabanki | Kings Man, LAP Brand, OXY Brand |
| Gona | Amrit Peyo, Relax, Super Star Industries |
| Lakhimpur | New Gangajal |
| Rae Bareilly | Jalaj Brand, Aarav Brand |
| Unnao | Foo-Foo Puck, Devansh Daily Aqua, Heldin, Aqua Fresh |
| Gorakhpur | Healthy Era, Reliable Fresh |
| Fatehpur | Chill |
| Chitrakoot | Queen Brand |
| Mainpuri | Global Brand |
| Prayagraj | Nirmal Neer Industries |
| Azamgarh | Mubarak Industries |
| Varanasi | Sai Neer Company |
| Rampur | Aqua ACC |
| Chandauli | Googly, Aqua |
| Gautam Buddha Nagar | Aqua Bota |
| Basti | RK Aqua Soak Brand |
| Etawah | Nirmal Dhara Brand |
Side effects of coliform bacteria
Consuming water or food contaminated with coliform bacteria, especially faecal coliform and E. coli, can cause serious health problems, including diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, pain, fever, and nausea.
They cause intestinal infections, leading to diseases such as dysentery, typhoid, and cholera. Some harmful strains of E. coli can cause severe intestinal infections, bleeding, and kidney failure.
Shravan Kumar Tripathi, Assistant Commissioner Food II, said, "On government instructions, sealed water was tested. Coliform bacteria were found in the sealed drinking water bottles of a Nirmal water company called Aqua Health in Akbarpur. The test revealed a faulty machine. Consequently, the supply of that water was stopped, and the water from the market was recalled. After replacing the faulty machine, the water plant was given permission to operate again after five levels of testing."