The Addis Ababa Food and Medicine Authority (AAFMA) in Ethiopia has issued an urgent public health warning regarding specific batches of Fine Bottled Water. This directive comes after routine inspections identified significant safety concerns, leading to an immediate recall of the product from retail shelves across the capital city.
The primary focus of the alert is on bottles labeled with Batch Number 620. According to official reports from the authority’s laboratory, testing confirmed the presence of a “viscous foreign substance” within the water. This contamination has been deemed a potential risk to human health, prompting Ethiopian officials to categorize the specific batch as unfit for consumption.
Based on the laboratory findings, the AAFMA noted that the presence of such impurities suggests a significant breach in standard manufacturing protocols. The authority stated that the contamination indicates the production process failed to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), which are essential for ensuring the safety and quality of bottled drinking water within the country.
In response to these findings, the regulatory body has taken decisive administrative action against the manufacturer. Effective as of February 24, 2026, the company has been formally prohibited from producing or distributing any new stock. This suspension will remain in effect while further investigations into the facility’s hygiene and filtration systems are conducted by inspectors.
Furthermore, a strict timeline has been established for the removal of existing stock from the Ethiopian market. The manufacturer and distributors have been ordered to complete the withdrawal of all products marked with Batch Number 620 within five days. Retailers are also expected to comply by removing the affected bottles from their displays immediately to prevent further sales to the public.
The AAFMA has urged the Ethiopian public to remain vigilant and check labeling carefully before making purchases. Consumers who have already bought Fine Bottled Water from the affected batch are advised to dispose of it or return it to the point of purchase. The authority emphasized that prioritizing consumer safety is the primary goal of this recall as they continue to monitor compliance.