The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has issued a public warning and confirmed that no import or trade permits have been granted for the Iranian bottled water brand Uranus Star, following a fatal contamination incident in neighboring Oman. The action aims to safeguard public health after two deaths were reported in Oman linked to the consumption of contaminated bottled water from the same brand.
Incident background and contamination details
The contamination was reported in the Wilayat of Suwaiq area in Oman, where an expatriate woman died and an Omani man was hospitalized in critical condition after drinking Uranus Star bottled water. Other family members who also consumed the water were poisoned but have since recovered. Laboratory tests conducted by Omani authorities confirmed that the water was contaminated with harmful substances, prompting Oman to ban bottled water imports from Iran and remove Uranus Star from local markets.
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UAE’s response and preventive measures
Following the incident, MOCCAE confirmed that:
- No import permits or official authorizations have been issued in the UAE for Uranus Star or any products from the same brand.
- Thorough inspections at major retail outlets across all seven emirates found no presence of the product.
- Enhanced verification and inspection measures have been activated at all entry points to prevent any potential importation of the brand.
- The ministry continues to monitor market developments in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure consumer safety.
Public advisory
MOCCAE has urged the public to:
- Immediately dispose of any Uranus Star bottled water they may possess.
- Avoid consuming the brand due to potential health risks.
- Report any sightings or sales of the product in the UAE to the authorities promptly.
Why the product was restricted
The restriction follows confirmed reports from Oman that Uranus Star bottled water was contaminated with harmful substances, resulting in poisoning and fatalities. While the product has not been imported or distributed in the UAE, the ministry’s precautionary measures are aimed at protecting consumers and maintaining public health standards.
