The quality of bottled water being put on the market is questionable. The alarm is given by an audit by the Albanian Supreme Audit Institution (KLSH), which states that although the consumption of this product has been continuously increasing every year, the responsible institutions have failed to fully fulfill their obligations regarding its control, monitoring and analysis.
According to data and interviews conducted at the General Directorate of the National Food and Agriculture Organization (AFA), it appears that during the period 2020-2024, the National Food and Agriculture Organization (AFA) did not conduct microbiological analyses of bottled drinking water in its regional laboratories. This is because the AFA laboratories do not have the laboratory capacity to conduct microbiological analyses of bottled drinking water.
The report states that the NFA has not fulfilled the annual plan for analyses of bottled drinking water. The NFA, as the institution responsible for food safety in implementation of the Food Law34, analyses samples according to an annual risk-based plan. Samples of bottled drinking water are analysed to verify compliance with legal and sub-legal requirements for food and orders for mineral water. The sampling by the NFA aims to ensure that bottled water placed on the market meets the requirements for food safety and quality, including microbiological and chemical analyses as defined in the relevant regulations. These plans specify the types of analyses to be carried out and the laboratories. The audit team found that the implementation of annual analyses of bottled drinking water was lower than planned.
Drinking water, including bottled water, to be considered suitable for consumption must meet the requirements set for the presence of microorganisms, parasites and other hazardous substances, in accordance with the parametric values specified in this regulation. During this process, water samples must be taken to verify that it is safe for consumption and complies with the values set by the NFA and the NJVKSH. Water according to this regulation is classified as “suitable for use” if the analyses show the absence of microorganisms, parasites or substances that may pose a risk to public health. Conversely, if the analysis results show a violation of these requirements, the water is considered “unsuitable for use”. Referring to the NLA, it is not known what kind of water Albanians drink.
