The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has ordered the withdrawal of bottled water produced by three factories in Madina after tests revealed them to contain excessive levels of bromate, a water disinfection byproduct believed to be a carcinogenic by some scientists. The SFDA said in a statement that routine laboratory tests on locally-produced and imported water revealed the factories' failure to comply with Saudi specifications and standards, and that the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs had been informed to order the factories to recall their products from the market. The statement reiterated the SFDA's policy of strict vigilance of all bottled water sold in the Kingdom and its commitment to upholding Saudi specifications and standards.
