Contaminated Bottled Water: What the Import Ban Means for Businesses in Oman
An expatriate woman has died, and an Omani citizen has been hospitalized in critical condition after consuming a specific brand of bottled water. The Royal Oman Police confirmed that the citizen also succumbed to the poisoning shortly before their initial statement was released.
The incident, which involved an Omani family and the expatriate woman, occurred in the Wilayat of Suwaiq on September 29, 2025. It was traced back to bottled water labeled with the ‘Uranus Star’ brand, manufactured in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In response to the incident, the Royal Oman Police collaborated with relevant authorities to collect samples of the water for testing. The results indicated contamination. As a precaution, authorities initiated a recall of all ‘Uranus Star’ bottled water from local markets and implemented additional safety measures to protect both citizens and residents while investigations are ongoing.
Furthermore, the authorities have imposed a ban on the importation of all bottled water from Iran. The Royal Oman Police urged all citizens and residents to refrain from using the contaminated water and to report any concerns about this or other brands to the appropriate authorities.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The recent contamination incident involving bottled water poses significant risks for businesses in Oman, particularly within the food and beverage sector, as consumer trust may wane. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should consider diversifying their supply chains to mitigate potential fallout from such crises and explore opportunities in ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance initiatives. This event highlights a critical need for enhanced quality control measures and could drive innovation in the sector.
