Nakhon Ratchasima Detects Disease-Causing Microbes in Drinking Water, Orders Immediate Production Halt and Market Withdrawal
Authorities in Nakhon Ratchasima halted production of Apo-brand drinking water after detecting dangerous Salmonella contamination in 18.9-liter containers produced in March. The manufacturer admitted to using improperly filtered stored tank
On May 7, Nakhon Ratchasima Public Health Office detected microbial contamination exceeding legal standards in drinking water from one brand in Kham Sak Saeng District following routine quality checks. The problematic product is Apo-brand drinking water with Food Registry No. 30-2-03760-2-0001, produced March 26, 2025, in 18.9-liter containers. Laboratory analysis at Medical Science Center 9 in Nakhon Ratchasima confirmed Salmonella spp. contamination per 100 milliliters—a disease-causing microorganism with clear adverse health effects. The product is classified as substandard food, violating Section 25(3) of the Food Act, B.E. 2522, with penalties under Section 60 not exceeding 50,000 baht. The health office warned the public to avoid purchasing or consuming the product. Upon inspection of the production facility, officials found the manufacturer had been using stored tank water filtered through an old RO machine approximately 2-3 months prior due to financial difficulties, without proper production procedures, equipment cleaning, or thorough container sanitation. The manufacturer has agreed to submit a request to cease drinking water production operations, and the health office has ordered temporary suspension of production and will proceed with legal enforcement penalties.
