AFA: No analysis for bottled water being released on the market for consumption

Quality of bottled water in Albania under question: AFA has done no analyses

The quality of bottled water entering the market is in doubt. Alarm has been raised by an audit from the Supreme State Audit (KLSH), which reports that although consumption of this product has steadily increased each year, the responsible institutions have not fully met their obligations regarding control, monitoring, and analysis.

According to data and interviews conducted at the General Directorate of the Albanian Food Authority (AKU), it appears that during the period 2020–2024, AFA did not carry out microbiological analyses of bottled drinking water in its regional laboratories. This is because AFA’s laboratories lack the capacity to perform microbiological testing on bottled drinking water.

The audit report states that AFA failed to implement its annual plan for bottled water analyses. As the institution responsible for food safety, AFA is legally required to analyze samples according to an annual risk-based plan. Bottled water samples are supposed to be analyzed to verify compliance with legal and sub-legal requirements for food safety and mineral water regulations.

Sampling by AFA is intended to ensure that bottled water entering the market meets food safety and quality standards, including microbiological and chemical analyses as required by relevant regulations. These plans specify the types of analyses to be conducted and the laboratories responsible. The audit team found that the actual number of analyses carried out annually for bottled water was lower than planned.

For drinking water, including bottled water, to be considered suitable for consumption, it must meet requirements regarding the presence of microorganisms, parasites, and other harmful substances, in accordance with the parametric values specified in the regulations. During this process, water samples are taken to verify that it is safe for consumption and complies with the standards set by AFA and the National Institute of Public Health (NJVKSH).

According to these regulations, water is classified as “suitable for use” if tests show no harmful microorganisms, parasites, or substances that could pose a risk to public health. Conversely, if the analysis results indicate violations of these requirements, the water is considered “unsuitable for use.”

The SSA audit concludes that it is unknown what type of water Albanians are actually drinking, given the lack of systematic monitoring and testing by the responsible authorities.

“KORÇA BOOM”