Coliform bacteria found in branded 'purified' bottled water in Kerala

 In a shocking lab report, the State Pollution Control Board has found the presence of deadly Coliform bacteria in bottled drinking water, including that of international brands sold in Kerala.

The study indicated the presence the bacteria to the tune of  2 to 41 colony-forming unit (CFU) per 100 ml in five packaged drinking water brands including that of international companies,collected in March this year. That means these bottled brands that claims to be pure are in fact contaminated and hence undrinkable. The samples were mainly collected from shops in Alappuzha and Thrissur. The board collected 69 samples. 

"Presence of Coliform bacteria even in a small amount in purified water is alarming. It shows that the water is taken from contaminated sources, " says Sreejith N Kumar, a health expert. 

The Pollution Control Board has submitted the report to Commissionerate of Food Safety demanding action against the brands. The startling report comes at a time when three central districts of the state is under threat of Cholera spread.