Bosnia and Herzegovina: How Unlabeled Packaging Led to Chemical Poisoning?

You probably remember the case of mineral water poisoning that occurred in Rijeka last November. A 19-year-old was injured after drinking from a mineral water bottle in a café. It was found that the bottle contained a corrosive liquid, similar to commercial cleaning agents.

How could this happen? How did a chemical end up in bottled drinking water?

There was speculation about drink contamination during production due to residual chemical agents in washing or bottling systems. However, analyses showed that the samples of the disputed mineral water were safe and health-compliant.

Five months after the incident, the investigation reached results and a complete resolution of this unfortunate event.

It all started in a hospitality venue on the island of Krk. The owners poured an alkaline dishwashing agent into an empty mineral water bottle. After use, this altered-content bottle was returned to storage along with other unopened mineral water bottles.

At the end of October, unused and unopened bottles of soft drinks were returned to the distribution company. Through the supply chain, the problematic bottle was delivered to a Rijeka hospitality venue where it was served to a guest who was injured after consumption.

Upon conclusion of the investigation, the owners of the hospitality venue, whose careless and irresponsible action led to the unfortunate incident, were charged with committing a serious criminal offense against public safety.

This case reminds us of the importance of careful handling and proper labeling of chemicals.

To prevent accidental poisonings, regulations on the classification, labeling, and packaging of chemicals define that the packaging of hazardous chemicals intended for general use must not resemble food, drink, cosmetics, or similar products.

As we've seen, transferring chemicals from their original packaging into unlabeled containers can pose a serious danger. Therefore, all containers holding chemicals must be clearly labeled.

Additionally, it is recommended to store chemicals in their original packaging. It is made from suitable material, and its shape and design ensure safe storage and use of the contained chemical.

If a chemical is transferred from its original packaging to another container, it needs to be labeled in the same way as the original packaging. An additional label and hazard pictograms on the water bottle from the mentioned example would have prevented mixing this bottle with unopened water bottles.

Also, if a working solution of a product is prepared for use, it must be clearly marked with its contents. This prevents the substitution of a hazardous liquid for a non-hazardous one.

It is not uncommon for users of chemicals not to read all the warnings about hazardous chemicals listed on the packaging. This is very important, especially when it comes to using chemicals in households. 

Always read the instructions for using hazardous chemicals and adhere to the recommended precautions. Even when using chemicals from the original packaging, improper handling can lead to harmful consequences. I wrote about such a case in this text.

I hope the example of poisoning in Rijeka will prompt us to be extra cautious when handling chemicals.

If you have questions about chemical labeling or know of a similar example of mishandling chemicals, write to me at nina.pajovic@bens-consulting.eu.