One sip of store-bought water almost caused severe poisoning for customers when a dangerous chemical substance was found during an inspection in a usual bottle. The Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic (Úrad verejného zdravotníctva SR) officially warned consumers about a dangerous batch of drinking water.
Why the finding is dangerous and which batch was affected
During a planned inspection at the public catering establishment Hostinec u Petra in the village of Kráľová pri Senci, inspectors found a batch of mineral water with an extremely high acidity level.
Laboratory analysis showed a pH level of 14, indicating a strongly alkaline environment and the direct presence of caustic substances. The product came from the Czech Republic, and it could be purchased in the Metro store chain in Ivanka pri Dunaji (Ivanka pri Dunaji).
The restriction applies to a specific batch of the popular drink:
- product name: Natura (jemne perlivá, 500 ml);
- barcode (EAN): 5449000287786;
- batch: L61481/00:20;
- expiration date: until November 27, 2026;
- distributor: Coca-Cola Česká republika.
Health risks and symptoms of poisoning
Consuming liquid with such a pH level causes immediate chemical burns to the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, and the entire gastrointestinal tract.
Among the first symptoms of poisoning, doctors highlight sharp pain and burning in the mouth, severe vomiting, sometimes with blood. In severe cases, internal bleeding, deep damage to the digestive system, and other life-threatening conditions are possible. The country’s chief hygienist, Tatiana Červešová, has already ordered unscheduled inspections across the country.
What to do if you bought this water
If you find a bottle with the indicated batch number at home, do not open it or drink the liquid under any circumstances.
- Do not use the water. Avoid any contact with the drink from this batch.
- Return the product. Take the bottle back to the place of purchase or contact the store chain’s customer service.
- See a doctor. If you or someone close to you has taken a sip and feels unwell or burning, immediately call an ambulance or go to a medical facility.
More details about the situation and the official warning from regulators can be read on the Novinky.cz website. The information has also been sent to the European rapid alert system for food products to check for possible spread of the batch in other European Union countries.
