Following the deaths of two individuals in Oman linked to contaminated bottled water from the Iranian brand Uranus Star, the UAE has moved quickly to block the product’s entry and trade within its borders, citing urgent public health concerns. On October 10, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) confirmed that no permits had been issued for the import or distribution of the brand, and that authorities have launched an intensified review of import records and market activity.
UAE confirms no ‘Uranus Star’ water in market
In a public statement issued on October 10, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) confirmed that no official permits have been granted to import or distribute Uranus Star bottled drinking water, a product originating from Iran. The Ministry stated that its latest inspections had verified the absence of the brand at major retail outlets across the country. As a preventive measure, the Ministry has activated immediate verification protocols in coordination with food safety authorities across all seven emirates. This includes a thorough inspection of food shipment records at the nation’s entry ports. The Ministry emphasized that these actions are part of its ongoing monitoring of regional market incidents, particularly in light of the confirmed contamination case in a neighboring country. MoCCAE also issued a public advisory urging anyone who may have acquired Uranus Star products by any means—whether from local sources or brought in from abroad—to dispose of them immediately, regardless of the quantity. The warning underlines that consumption should be strictly avoided in the interest of public health and safety.
The tragic incident in Oman
The tragic deaths that prompted the UAE’s response occurred just days apart in late September and early October 2023. On September 29, a foreign woman living in Oman passed away after consuming ‘Uranus Star’ water. Two days later, on October 1, an Omani national, who had been hospitalized along with his family members after drinking the same brand of water, succumbed to the effects of the contaminated product. An Omani woman, who was also affected by the water, fortunately survived after receiving timely medical treatment. The two fatalities highlighted a serious health risk associated with the bottled water, triggering immediate government action.
What made the water contaminated?
Omani authorities launched a thorough investigation following the deaths, leading to the discovery of a disturbing finding: the bottled water reportedly contained “amphetamine,” a harmful substance. Laboratory tests confirmed that the amphetamine was deliberately introduced into some of the product’s packages, pointing to unsafe manufacturing practices. This shocking revelation led to a nationwide recall of the ‘Uranus Star’ water in Oman, with authorities swiftly removing the remaining stock from the market.Public advisory in effect: The Ministry has issued a clear public advisory urging all residents to immediately discard any Uranus Star bottled water they may have, regardless of how much they have or where it was obtained. Consumption should be strictly avoided.The warning remains in effect, with food safety inspections and enforcement measures continuing across the country.
