Several drinking water brands did not pass a microbial test administered by Myanmar’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The microbial plate count test measures how much bacteria lives in the water.
The FDA administers the four-step test to each of the country’s 974 licenced drinking water brands once every two years.
FDA food department director Dr Htun Zaw told Eleven: “We test new brands and existing ones that want to extend their licences with a four-step inspection. 34 new brands failed at the third step and eight at the fourth; 26 existing firms failed at the third step and seven at the fourth.”
In the first stage of an inspection, FDA officials visit the production site and take samples. In the second and third stages, they inform the manufacturer of flaws in the water production process and offer instructions on how to improve. In the fourth stage, FDA officials conduct a final test and approve the brand if the product passes.
“The licence expires after two years. Then we do the tests all over again before extending their licences,” Dr Htun Zaw told Eleven.
The FDA has not revealed the names of the brands that failed the microbial test, but Eleven has reported that the plants are located in Mayangone, Hlaing, Taikkyi, East Dagon, South Okkalapa and Thingangyun townships.
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