The Agency for Protection of Consumers (APC) found bacteria that cause digestive diseases in samples of mineral water and refreshing carbonated drinks. One sample contained sweetener above the allowed limit, Info-Prim Neo reports. APC director Alexandru Cuzimuc told the press on Thursday, December 27, that in 5 of the 24 collected samples, coliform bacteria were found. In a sample of sweet beverage, it was found that the producer exceeded by 100% the limit for a synthetic sweetener, which is banned altogether in some countries. In two other cases, it was found that the companies placed misleading information about the chemical-physical indicators on the bottle. “It’s not bad for consumption, but it misleads the consumers”, said Cuzimuc. The batches of beverages that didn’t respect the norms were withdrawn from sale. Prescriptions were issued against the producers and importers, who risk paying fines of up to 10,000 lei, depending on the seriousness of violations.