Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani confirmed on Thursday that laboratory tests conducted by the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) on Tannourine bottled water came back clean, dismissing recent health concerns surrounding the popular Lebanese brand.

“I received the results this morning for nine randomly collected samples from the market, and they were all clean,” Hani said in an interview on Voice of Lebanon radio.

He noted that Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine had made it clear from the start that once the matter was clarified and the tests confirmed the product’s safety, the initial suspension decision would be lifted, allowing Tannourine Spring Mineral Water to resume normal production.

“This issue received far more media attention than it deserved,” Hani said.

The agriculture minister explained that he had signed the original suspension order urgently because the matter involved food safety and public health.

“I signed the decision on an emergency basis as it concerns the health of citizens and food security,” he said, adding that he strongly opposed any form of defamation against local industries.

“Tannourine Spring Mineral Water is a reputable and pioneering company,” Hani said. “What happened may in fact result in a positive reaction and serve as a step forward, without harming the reputation of this well-established Lebanese brand.”

Addressing the leak that first spread allegations on social media, Hani stressed that the case was “technical rather than political or media-driven.” He said a mistake had been made and that the ministry would investigate who was responsible for leaking the information before the company itself had been officially informed.

“This must be stopped,” Hani said. “It’s not a conspiracy against anyone or an attempt to damage anyone’s reputation.”