RIYADH: Five plants have been shut down and more than 1,000 bottles of contaminated water seized in the Al-Jouf region, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced Sunday.

According to a statement issued by the ministry, refilling used bottles and ignoring the health requirements were the major violations by the owners of these factories.

“Some violations were detected in the production lines, such as refilling water in used bottles, sealing the mouth of such bottles with silicon and claiming that they are new.”

Bottles that were filled with contaminated water not bearing any trade data were all seized. Those responsible have been summoned by the ministry for investigations and legal action.

“During the site inspection, the inspectors monitored noncompliance with the health requirements and industrial standards. This would reflect on the safety of the product and expose it to contamination. Consequently, this may be considered a threat to the health and safety of consumers. The ministerial committee on industrial violations has taken a decision to close all the production lines at such plants and take legal action against the violators,” the statement said. The factories were closed down following a series of inspection rounds organized by the ministry in coordination with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA).

An official from the ministry said practices that may harm the health and safety of consumers, will be subject to sever punishment according to the laws of the country.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to continue the inspection in factories, markets, warehouses and all commercial institutions to ensure their regular work without commercial fraud.

“Those involved in such malpractices directly or indirectly will be severely dealt with,” the official said.

The ministry has called on consumers to call 1900 to report violations to the Notification Center at the ministry.