'95 of 296 bottled water samples found unsafe'

We will cease the operations of the specific batches that have turned out to be unsafe DINESH GUNDU RAO, Health and family welfare minister

- Arun Dev

BENGALURU: Health and family welfare minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Tuesday said that a recent analysis of 296 samples has revealed that 95 were unsafe for consumption, and 88 were found to be of substandard quality, health and family welfare minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said.

"As part of a special campaign in February 2025, 296 drinking water bottle samples were collected for analysis. We have tested a significant number of mineral water samples, and the results are deeply concerning. While 95 samples have been found unsafe, and 88 were substandard. This is unacceptable when it comes to a basic necessity like drinking water," Rao said at a press conference.

"The affected brands include some well-known names as well," said the minister who added the action will be taken against the companies. While the unsafe samples showed signs of both chemical and microbial contamination, many also had low mineral content, which could lead to health complications," the minister said.