This summer, the National Consumer Protection Authority (ANPC) investigated this summer the labeling, display and advertising conditions of mineral water. Irregularities were uncovered for 469 of the 762 economic agents that were investigated (25 producers, 500 stores, 141 distributors and 96 gas stations), and out of the 5,425 thousands of liters of mineral water found, 1,872 thousands of liters did not comply with the legal requirements in effect.
ANPC agents took 12,300 liters of mineral water off the market permanently, and 1,860,000 liters were taken off the market temporarily, until the irregularities found would be set in order. 165 warnings and 304 fines worth 1,005,650 lei were issued.
• Advice for consumers
- check that water containers are sealed and in good shape;
- check for particles in suspension in the water, which could mean that the water was stored at inadequate temperature;
- pay heed to producers" storage conditions;
- refuse to buy products that have exceeded their expiration date or whose expiration date has been tampered with;
·When buying foodstuffs, keep the receipt; which will allow you to file a complaint later.