Minister says 9 Tannourine water samples have tested free of bacteria

Nine Tannourine Mineral Water samples sent to the state-run Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute have tested free of bacteria and authorities are awaiting results from the state-run Industrial Research Institute and the American University of Beirut in order to take the appropriate decision, Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani said on Thursday.

The Health Ministry had on Monday suspended Tannourine and ordered its products pulled from shelves after samples tested positive for the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.

A Health Ministry statement said the company would remain suspended pending the identification of the contamination source and the addressing of the problem.

“The Tannourine Mineral Water company is well-known and its image is pioneering and perhaps what happened will represent a positive reaction and a step forward and will not affect the reputation of this prestigious company,” Minister Hani said in a radio interview on Thursday.

“We will work on reversing the decision that suspended the work of the Tannourine Mineral Water company and there is no conspiracy,” he added.