Oman: Two die from contaminated bottled water

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has confirmed that two people have died following a poisoning incident in the Wilayat of Al Suwaiq, North Al Batinah Governorate, linked to contaminated bottled water. The product has been identified to be imported from the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The incident, which occurred on 29 September 2025, initially led to the death of an expatriate woman shortly after she consumed the tainted product. A second victim, an Omani citizen who was hospitalized in critical condition, later succumbed to complications despite receiving intensive medical care.

Laboratory analysis carried out by authorities confirmed the presence of harmful substances in the bottled water. In response, the ROP, in coordination with the relevant government bodies, ordered the immediate withdrawal of the contaminated brand from local markets. Authorities have also enforced a blanket ban on the import of all bottled water from Iran as a precautionary measure.

“The safety of citizens and residents is our highest priority”, the ROP said, urging the public to avoid the contaminated brand and to report any cases of unsafe bottled water or food products to the competent authorities without delay.

Investigations are ongoing to determine how the contaminated product entered the local market and whether additional safety lapses may have contributed to the incident.