Contaminated Mineral Water Sparks UAE Ban

Strict Action Against Iranian Uranus Star Water - Import Banned

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has confirmed that no importation or trade of the Iranian-origin 'Uranus Star' brand bottled mineral water is permitted. This announcement followed tragic incidents in a neighboring country, Oman, where two individuals died after consuming this product. Laboratory tests revealed that some packages of the mineral water contained amphetamines, intentionally added to the bottles.

This development has raised significant concern in the region and highlighted the importance of regional food safety checks. UAE authorities responded immediately by implementing comprehensive monitoring measures across the nation, especially at entry points such as ports and airports. The goal is to exclude any possibility of Uranus Star entering the country in any form, thus preventing public health risks.

What exactly happened?

In Oman, a woman with foreign nationality died on September 29, followed by an Omani man on October 1 after consuming Uranus Star water. The man's family members also required hospital treatment but survived. Following the tragedies, Omani authorities issued a public warning and recalled the product from stores. Sample analyses confirmed that the mineral water contained illegal substances, specifically amphetamines—deliberately introduced, not as contamination.

The news spread like wildfire across the region, especially after Oman's health authorities confirmed the presence of the substance. In the UAE, the Ministry swiftly responded on October 10, officially announcing nationwide checks for the product's potential presence.

The UAE's response

The relevant ministry introduced immediate measures. These included direct coordination with local food safety authorities in all emirates and monitoring incoming goods at the borders. They checked all food shipments before entering the country and closely monitored all beverages originating from Iran.

The ministry stressed that no official permission was given for the importation or distribution of Uranus Star or any similarly branded products. No trace of the mentioned brand was found in the country's major retail chains. This confirmed that the contaminated product had not yet entered the UAE, and strict checks continue to ensure it remains that way.

Why is this case particularly concerning?

The gravity of the case lies in the fact that it's about bottled drinking water—a product consumers consider safe and suitable for everyday consumption. The intentionally added psychoactive substance raises not only health but also legal and security issues. Questions arise regarding how such manipulation could happen with a food product, and what intentions the perpetrator(s) might have had.

Another important aspect is that such cases—especially in cross-border trade—undermine consumer trust not only in the specific brand but in imported products overall. In the UAE, prevention and rapid response are therefore highly prioritized, especially for products coming from neighboring countries where regulatory environments may differ.

What should UAE residents do?

The ministry strongly urged the population: if anyone acquired Uranus Star brand mineral water—through travel, delivery, or acquaintances—dispose of it immediately, even in small quantities. Consumption should be avoided under all circumstances, as it can potentially be fatal and carry severe legal consequences for possession of such prohibited substances.

The authorities also encourage residents to report any suspicious food or beverage products to the relevant bodies. Protecting public health is a shared responsibility, and public vigilance plays a significant role in filtering out dangerous products.

The role of regional cooperation

Such cases also highlight the importance of regional cooperation. Oman's swift response and public awareness allowed other countries, including the UAE, to take proactive measures. The UAE's food safety system is among the strictest in the region, but the challenges of international trade require ongoing attention.

In the future, traceability, precise documentation of origin, and rapid information exchange between regional countries are expected to become even more prominent. Technological advances, such as blockchain-based tracking systems, may also play a role in minimizing such risks in the future.

Conclusion

The Uranus Star incident serves as a reminder that even in food and beverage consumption, we cannot be entirely carefree. Regulatory authorities, such as the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, are taking appropriate measures and remain vigilant to ensure the safety of the population. On the part of the public, awareness, caution, and rejection of suspicious products are essential. Health protection comes above all—and even a bottle of mineral water can't be an exception.

(Source of the article: UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment statement.)