Bottled Water Brands Pass Government Testing

A survey conducted by the Taipei City Department of Health on thirty-one brands of bottled water sold in supermarkets and convenience stores found that the water quality of all the bottled waters met health standards.

However, two bottled water brands were found to have improper nutrition labeling.

Among the items checked for the water quality of the bottled waters were enterovirus and metals such as lead and copper.

Despite all thirty-one of the surveyed bottled waters meeting water quality health standards, the DOH is recommending consumers check the packaging of the bottled water during purchase and place the water in shaded areas.

DOH said that the amount of germs in the bottled water will increase regardless if the water is placed in a refrigerator or at room temperature once the container is unsealed.

The department said that the two brands of bottled water with improper nutrition labeling all indicated the level of protein, fat, and carbohydrates with the unit of the milligram instead of the gram.

DOH said that if consumers have doubts over the amount of germs in the bottled water, they can boil the water before consumption.

The department said that the results of the bottled water survey are posted on the DOH website at www.health.gov.tw.

Also yesterday, the DOH released the results of a survey on 57 shaved ices and shaved ice condiments which showed all of the products to have met health standards except for one.

DOH said that one shaved ice condiment taro bead was found to have contained excessive amounts of preservatives and that the manufacture of the condiment will be fined between NT$30,000 and NT$150,000 along with the confiscation of the illegal products.

DOH said that manufacturers of shaved ice condiments should pay attention to the production process, hygiene in the production area, and quality control and not use additives to extend the product's preservation period during hot weather.

The department also calls on consumers to take note of the cleanliness of the shaved ice establishment and the establishments' shaved ice containers.

Consumers should also check whether the condiments are covered before being served and choose establishments which are labeled with the "OK" health certification.

Resources: The China Post