Beverages: Bottled Water

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is establishing a standard of identity for bottled water. At the same time, the agency is recodifying the standard of quality for bottled water. FDA is revising the definition for bottled water in the quality standard to include mineral water and ingredient uses of this product. In addition, FDA is defining ``artesian water,'' ``ground water,'' ``mineral water,'' ``purified water,'' ``sparkling bottled water,'' ``spring water,'' ``sterile water,'' and ``well water.'' FDA is exempting mineral water from certain physical and chemical allowable levels. FDA is taking these actions, in part, in response to a petition submitted by the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). FDA finds that the regulations will promote honesty and fair dealing in the interest of consumers as well as the interests of the regulated industry.