Are there any new standards for bottled water being put forth?
Health Canada is looking into new and stricter regulations and guidelines to prevent bacterial and chemical contamination. For example, the Department is considering introducing additional sampling plans and microbial limits for bottled water at the source and at various stages in the bottling process. The Department is contemplating more stringent regulations to limit levels of specific chemical contaminants for all bottled waters, including spring and mineral waters. In collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, we are reviewing product standards and labelling requirements to ensure that the regulations provide an appropriate level of consumer protection and take into consideration international and technological developments.
A12: New and more stringent regulations and additional guidelines to prevent bacterial and chemical contamination are being formulated. Consideration is given to establish regulatory requirements for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aeromonas hydrophilia. It is proposed to regulate aerobic colony counts for all bottled water in addition to the current coliform regulations. Also, additional sampling plans and microbial limits for bottled water at the source and at critical control points are being formulated. These will include guidelines for specific bacteria, such as E.coli, faecal streptococci, clostridia and parasites. See Table 3. More stringent regulations to limit levels of specific chemical contaminants for all pre-packaged waters, including spring and mineral waters, are being examined. Changes to certain labelling requirements are also being considered to better inform consumers. Finally, suggestions for storage at the manufacturing and retail levels are being considered.
