ALEXANDRIA, VA -In order to help consumers make informed
decisions, the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) provides important
information regarding both fluoridated and non-fluoridated bottled water on its
website at www.bottledwater.org.
IBWA encourages consumers to consider the following facts about
bottled water and fluoride:
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There is no correlation between the increased consumption of
bottled water and an increase in cavities. In fact, bottled water does not
contain ingredients that cause cavities and is often a replacement for beverages
and foods that may contribute to poor dental health.
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The bottled water industry offers both fluoridated and
non-fluoridated brands to provide consumers with choice, quality and
convenience. A number of IBWA-member companies produce fluoridated bottled water
for consumers who want fluoride in their drinking water and wish to choose
bottled water. For a list of IBWA member companies that produce fluoridated
bottled water, visit the IBWA web site at
http://www.bottledwater.org/public/fluorida.htm.
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There are many sources of fluoride, and the amount of fluoride
exposure varies greatly by community and individual. Consumers should consider
how much fluoride they are receiving as part of their overall diet and contact
their health care or dental care provider for their recommendation. Exposure to
higher than recommended levels of fluoride can lead to a condition called
fluorosis, which can result in stains to the teeth.
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FDA regulations specifically permit fluoride to be added to
bottled water and set limits on the amount of fluoride that can be in bottled
water; whether naturally occurring or added by the bottled water
company.
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The bottled water industry is comprehensively regulated as a
packaged food product by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which
mandates stringent standards to help ensure bottled water's consistent safety,
quality and good taste. By law, FDA bottled water standards must be at least as
stringent and protective of public health as U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) tap water standards. FDA requires bottled water to comply with
bottled water-specific safety and health standards, as well as regulations
required of all food products.
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Bottled water products are required to comply at all times with
FDA Standards of Quality. As with other food products, bottled water is subject
to the food adulteration and misbranding requirements of the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act and is subject to the full array of FDA enforcement actions
including warning letters, civil (seizure and/or injunction) and criminal
penalties. As with other food products, bottled water may be recalled from the
marketplace.
For more facts about bottled water regulations, fluoride, safety,
and other reasons for consumer bottled water choice, visit www.bottledwater.org.
Consumers have a right to information that may help them make balanced decisions
about their drinking water and beverage choices.
Resources:
IBWA Fluordine FAQs
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The Water Connoisseur
