New Ban on Contaminated Bottled Water Imports: What This Means for Businesses and Consumers in Oman
An expatriate woman has died, and an Omani citizen is hospitalized in critical condition after consuming a specific brand of bottled water.
The Royal Oman Police alerted residents of the North Al Batinah Governorate about the poisoning incident involving an Omani family and the expatriate woman in the Wilayat of Suwaiq on September 29, 2025.
The contamination was traced back to bottled water imported from the Islamic Republic of Iran, branded as ‘Uranus Star.’ Unfortunately, the expatriate woman succumbed to the effects of the contaminated water, while the Omani citizen has since made a recovery after hospitalization.
Upon receiving the report, the Royal Oman Police worked in coordination with relevant authorities to collect samples of the water for testing. The results confirmed that the water was indeed contaminated.
In response to this incident, authorities began removing all bottles of the same brand from local markets and implemented additional safety measures to protect citizens and residents until the investigation concludes. Furthermore, the government has prohibited the import of all types of bottled water from Iran.
The Royal Oman Police urges all citizens and residents not to consume the affected water and to report any suspicions regarding this or other bottled water to the appropriate authorities immediately.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The recent incident involving contaminated bottled water underscores significant risks for businesses in Oman, particularly in the food and beverage sector. Consumer safety has become a paramount concern, prompting heightened scrutiny and regulation that could affect supply chains and brand reputations. Strategically, investors and entrepreneurs should now prioritize quality assurance and compliance to mitigate potential fallout while also exploring demand for safe, locally-sourced alternatives.
