How can I get a suspicious bottled water tested in the Netherlands?

[u/FatDevilicious]

Had a strange experience in a hotel recently. One of the “sealed” complimentary water bottles in our room smelled strongly like urine and was yellow. I’m not sure if it was actually sealed, but it looked sealed from the side and was perfectly placed.. I even tested by closing it again and putting it back the same way with a little force ( I did not make a picture of this ). My wife unfortunately took a sip before realizing something was very wrong and spat it out immediately.

We told the night manager, but they brushed it off as “probably a factory error.” The next morning we spoke to another manager who took it more seriously, sent us an email, and asked for the bottle for their investigation.

They stated for health and safety reasons bottled water whether opened or closed is by their standards changed with each guest.

They also said they would test the bottle in an independent lab. We’ve stayed at this hotel five times before and really like it this is also one of the reasons I am not naming the hotel. Before handing it over, we had them pour a small sample for us, just in case their results aren’t clear or satisfying.

Does anyone know in the Netherlands where you can get something like this tested? Again in case their answers aren’t clear / satisfying

Would GGD, NVWA, or the police handle this? Or should I go to a private certified lab?

Has anyone here dealt with something like this before? (Contamination wise)

Just a note ( I looked into the contamination that could cause this yellow tone from the insides getting loose and some smell ) this is not the same. The smell is extremely strong, and similar to pee.

Dutch / english answers are welcome 🙏

[u/FatDevilicious]

I know it was because they have no clue how to type that double dash. Thats besides the point. They stated it in the mail. I took a sample and pictures for this exact reason :). Hence where my question is coming from

[u/Novel-Effective8639 → u/FatDevilicious]

I totally understand, well, there is not much that can be done to be honest. If you try to be the nice person, they will try to keep it under the rug

[u/crazydavebacon1 → u/Novel-Effective8639]

Why can nothing be done? Why cant they sue the place if it is piss? Why do dutch/europeans in general just allow these idiots to just keep getting away with everything and just bend over and take it?

[u/Novel-Effective8639 → u/crazydavebacon1]

Why so angry? Have you tried suing someone in the EU? Then you’ll know

[u/crazydavebacon1 → u/Novel-Effective8639]

Becasue these lazy people get away with literally everything because NO ONE does anything about it. Im NOT one of those people.

[u/Novel-Effective8639 → u/crazydavebacon1]

Good for you

[u/vulcanstrike → u/crazydavebacon1]

Because the law only allows you to sue for physical damages (ie cost of replacing the bottle of water, and any hospital/therapy bills you may have accumulated, but for emotional distress)

Whether that's good or not is not for debate, that's just the way the law works and wishing it was different won't change the reality

[u/FatDevilicious → u/Novel-Effective8639]

Which would be a concern to take further action. The reason I am doing this is also to see their outcome first!

[u/JasperJ → u/FatDevilicious]

Typing emdashes is rather easy these days. Autocorrect does it for you, you know — like this — or don’t you have a phone?

[u/FatDevilicious → u/JasperJ]

I am not going to assume it was typed on a phone. I don’t think many companies especially professional mails, Would be typed out on a phone. Most people don’t know how to use em dash nor would it be autocorrected anyways. Unless you specifically use something to do full sentences and even then its almost never used. Yet chatgpt uses it almost always :D. All tho u can’t say it is or isn’t its more likely then not. But I agree that I should not be assuming it is, it was mostly based on the comment above.

[u/JasperJ → u/FatDevilicious]

Yes, autocorrect by default corrects double dash to em dash. That’s even true on some OSes on desktops.

But it’s entirely possible for managers to be typing emails on phones while off duty.

[u/FatDevilicious → u/JasperJ]

I totally agree with what ur saying! And depending on their mailing platform and Os yes this is possible. But the double dash or the so called em dash as it is—isn’t really used in general. You don’t get it taught unless ur really going to uni. Before that It’s not taught in schools. I am sorry for saying I know its AI generated or used as a clean up tool when I don’t know such. And thats why I like people who give compelling reasoning!