Law enforcement agencies, working alongside representatives from Rospotrebnadzor, are conducting raids on several retail outlets in Vladikavkaz with the aim of stopping the sale of mineral water after a man could not be saved by doctors. The information was shared by Irina Volk, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, via a telegram channel.
Officials said that investigators are tracing how a potentially dangerous batch of mineral water entered a city store in Vladikavkaz. The entire batch was seized at the point of sale and forwarded for laboratory testing. In addition, the warehouse of the official distributor for the manufacturer was sealed as a precaution while inspections continue.
Rospotrebnadzor announced the suspension of sales for several batches of the Jermuk juice on the following Tuesday, February 13. Authorities indicated that the measure was aimed at preventing any further risk to consumers while the investigations progress.
Reports indicate that some Russians have experienced severe heartburn after consuming this mineral water, prompting health and safety reviews by the authorities. The case follows other incidents that have drawn public attention to the safety of bottled beverages and the robustness of the regulatory framework that governs food and drink products in the country. The authorities stressed the need for careful scrutiny of production and distribution chains to ensure that only safe items reach shops and homes. The public is advised to monitor official updates and to follow guidance from health authorities as investigations unfold.
In recent memory, similar incidents have prompted discussions about oversight of packaging, labeling, and quality control in the beverage sector. Regulators reiterated their commitment to protecting consumer health and to taking swift action when risks are identified in the supply chain. Stakeholders across retail and manufacturing sectors are reminded of the importance of transparent reporting, rapid recall procedures, and robust testing to prevent a recurrence of exposure to potentially hazardous products. The ongoing actions by law enforcement and health agencies underscore a coordinated approach to safeguarding public health and ensuring accountability across all stages of production and distribution.