Warning in Switzerland: 'Do not drink' Turkish mineral water

In a recall notice issued in Switzerland regarding food safety, consumers have been warned "do not drink" Turkish-origin SIRMA Mineralwasser (mineral water). It was stated that the decision was made after analyses detected boron levels exceeding the local limits applicable in Switzerland.

According to the announcement made by RecallSwiss, the product is distributed in the Swiss market by LADES GmbH. Consumers have been asked not to consume bottles from the batch in question and to return the product to the point of sale where it was purchased.

DETAILS OF THE RECALLED BATCH

According to information shared by Swiss authorities, the recall does not apply to all series of the product. The batch information included in the announcement is as follows:

• - Product: SIRMA Mineralwasser (Mineral Water)
• - Production date: September 2, 2025
• - Expiration date: November 26, 2026

The development has brought the different limits applied for boron in natural mineral waters in various countries back to the agenda. While the World Health Organization references a guideline value of 2.4 mg/L for drinking water, the European Food Safety Authority accepts a daily tolerable upper limit of 8 mg for adults.

It is noted that in Turkey, boron levels in some natural sources can reach up to 8-10 milligrams per liter, and these values can be considered compliant with local regulations. It was stated that the decision in Switzerland stems from the legislative differences between Turkey and Switzerland.

It was reported that Sırma mineral waters are produced under the Danone umbrella, are not a product group exported directly to Switzerland, and are offered to the market through intermediary distributors. Company officials stated that the products are produced in a safe manner in accordance with Turkey and European Union standards.