How is bottled and vended water regulated in California?
Manufacturers of bottled water (whether located in-state, out-of-state, or in a foreign country) and providers of vended water must be licensed and regulated by the California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Branch (FDB) in order to sell or distribute their products in California. FDB inspects in-state bottlers and vendors for sanitation, manufacturing operation control, equipment and quality control procedures, testing requirements, record keeping, labeling, and advertising. For bottlers located out-of-state or in foreign countries, FDB relies on the inspection by the pertinent regulatory agency of the state or the country where the plant is located. However, the bottlers must provide pertinent documents to FDB for review and must apply for a Bottled Water Plant License.
