Warning over fake Zam Zam in run up to Ramadan (10/09/2007)

In the run up to Ramadan Westminster City Council is warning people to be on the lookout for a rogue mineral water which unscrupulous sellers claim is from a sacred well in Mecca.

Teams of environmental health officers turned up announced at dozens of stores earlier today (Monday 10 August) to ensure fraudulent Zam Zam water, which can contain worryingly high levels of nitrates and arsenic, was not being sold. Levels of arsenic in the rogue water have been found to almost three times the permitted level, which could contribute to increasing people's risk of cancer.

The warning does not cover genuine Zam Zam, which is sourced from the Well of Zam Zam, located within the Masjid al Haram in Mecca, and which returning Pilgrims are allowed to bring into the UK for personal consumption. But the Saudi authorities expressly forbid the export of holy Zam Zam water, so any being offered for sale in the UK will be from unauthorised sources and potentially harmful.

Cllr Audrey Lewis, Cabinet Member for Community Protection, said: "We're extremely concerned that Muslims may be exploited during the holy month of Ramadan as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia forbids the commercial export of genuine Zam Zam, so we have no idea of the true source of the water which ends up on the streets of the UK.

"But what we can say with certainty is that any bottles of Zam Zam on sale in the UK could be unsafe and would urge people not to be tempted to drink them, and report any sightings to the authorities.

"It is both immoral and unacceptable to put people's health at risk in this way, particularly during Ramadan, and we are calling on the community to help us stamp out such exploitation."

Fake water comes in all shapes and sizes, and can come in plastic bottles, yogurt cartons and brown urns. The surprise visits took place in advance of Ramadan, which begins 13th September, and up to 50 premises around the Edgware Rd, Queensway, Marylebone and Lancaster Gate were all checked but no traces of the rogue water was discovered.

James Armitage, Assistant Operations Manager, said: "We're delighted that our public health message on fake Zam Zam appears to be getting through, but there's no room for complacency and we would urge people to continue to be vigilant, especially during Ramadan."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Genuine Zam Zam water originates from a 14-foot well in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and ritually drunk, packaged and taken home by millions of pilgrims every year.

According to Muslims, the water was first made available thousands of years ago by Prophet Ibraheem’s (Abraham) son - Isma’eel (Ishmael). Muslims ever since have been making use of the medicinal qualities of this water.

It has been reported that in 1971 genuine water from the well was tested in European laboratories proving it was fit for drinking purposes. The results apparently showed a greater quantity of calcium and magnesium salts in comparison to city water; a factor claimed to refresh tired pilgrims.

But it is forbidden to officially trade in Zam Zam water within or outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In tests carried out on behalf of Westminster City Council in 2005 fake Zam Zam water showed levels of arsenic at 25micrograms per litre, and nitrates at 115 micograms per litre. Legally permitted levels are 10mg for arsenic and 50mg for nitrates.