MADINA: The sale of Zamzam water in plastic jerry cans has been banned by Abdullah Zainal, Minister of Commerce and Industry. The minister has also formed a committee to inspect areas frequented by vendors and ordered the confiscation of such containers. The directives exempt water produced by the King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Project Factory for Zamzam Water. The minister took the decision after security authorities in Madina uncovered a factory forging the official packaging. The factory was run by infiltrators and violators of residency and labor regulations, officials said. A tour by Okaz/Saudi Gazette reporters on Saturday afternoon in the Central Area, the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque and the expressways, uncovered sellers of large quantities of Zamzam jerry cans. Officials said these containers will be confiscated. The cans were displayed openly, under the hot sun, which can cause the plastic to deteriorate and result in health problems for consumers. Muhammad Zuhoor, a Pakistani vendor, said his sponsor travels to Makkah every three days to fetch Zamzam water. He said they sell the 10-liter jerry can for SR10 while they sell cans issued by the factory for SR20.
