How to spot fake bottles of Zamzam holy water
BOGUS BOTTLES BELIEVED TO BE ON SALE IN CITY
MUSLIMS are being offered advice on how to spot fake bottles of Islamic holy water.
Genuine Zamzam water is sourced from a well in Mecca in Saudi Arabia, and many tourists bring small quantities home when they visit the country.
But a raid in London saw 1,400 litres of bogus bottles seized by trading standards officers, who said the fake version may not be safe to drink.
Pictures provided to the Mercury by a Muslim community leader show the main differences are with the fonts used on the bottles.
The community leader, who did not wish to be named, said: “Labels of both fake and genuine bottles are almost identical and we want the public to be aware of the differences.”
The logos on the lid are slightly different, as well as the front of the branding and date. The base of the bottle is also another thing to look out for.
The fake version does not have the mark at the bottom to indicate its origin is Saudi Arabia. Real bottles have an ‘S’ within the grooves of the base.
Genuine bottles do not come with bags. These are being sold with the fake version in the UK.
Trading standards officers received a tip-off that an importer in the London borough of Ealing had imported a large quantity of the fake. A raid took place and more than 280 five-litre bottles were seized. Officers launched an investigation to determine how they arrived into the country. Mohammed Tariq, Ealing Council’s senior trading standards officer who made the discovery, said: “We don’t know how these bottles entered the UK and we obviously don’t know if they contain toxins.
“But consumers should be aware of the risks of purchasing a product that hasn’t been tested.
“Our concern is that Muslims may be tempted to buy Zamzam water from street sellers. But people should consider avoiding the drink, until we can establish its source.
“The bottles will be formally examined and an investigation has been launched.
“What we do know is that the bottles already fail the labelling requirements.” He said anyone who drank Zamzam and started feeling unwell should contact their GP.
Official Zamzam can be bought from the Rahma Mercy charity, in Hartington Road, Highfields, Leicester.
Labels are almost identical and we want the public to be aware of the differences
Muslim leader