"Consumers should not use SIP Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride (CPVC) piping for potable water use, as recent testing indicates that this piping exceeds the maximum allowable extraction level for lead," U.S.-based NSF International said in a statement received by Reuters on Thursday.
RIYADH (Reuters) - A global industrial watchdog said it has withdrawn certification for products made by Saudi Industries for Pipes Co (SIP) after high lead levels were found in pipes used for drinking water.
"Consumers should not use SIP Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride (CPVC) piping for potable water use, as recent testing indicates that this piping exceeds the maximum allowable extraction level for lead," U.S.-based NSF International said in a statement received by Reuters on Thursday.
"The piping in violation was manufactured between March 2007 and October 2007," added the group, which advises the World Health Organisation. "NSF's numerous attempts to gain access to the plant for follow-up actions were denied."
"Going forward, SIP is not authorized to use the NSF Certification Mark on any of its CPVC piping or marketing/promotion materials. This includes SIP's corporate website," NSF said.
!ADVERTISEMENT!Yasser Abdul Hadi, international sales and marketing manager at non-listed SIP, said he was unaware of the NSF announcement. "The product which has been criticized by NSF is only sold in the domestic market (Saud Arabia)," he told Reuters.
SIP's Web site (www.sip-sa.com) was still carrying NSF's certification on Thursday. It also carried a certification seal from the Saudi Arabian Standards Organisation.
(Reporting by Andrew Hammond; editing by Firouz Sedarat)
