Quality control of bottled natural mineral waters

Abstract

Introduction. The current system of assessing and controlling safety and quality of natural mineral waters requires improvement in accordance with strategic objectives set by the Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly and other government agencies. Material and methods. We analyzed archival materials of our laboratory of resort resources, the findings of surveys of mineral water sources and on-site bottling plants, the results of numerous sanitary, epidemiological, and balneological tests of the quality, safety and medicinal properties of bottled natural mineral waters. We also scrutinized legislative and regulatory requirements on the topic. Results. In view of the strategic objectives, we developed guidelines for sanitary, epidemiological, and balneological expert examination, assessment, safety and quality control of bottled natural mineral waters, their monitoring, methods for identifying counterfeit products, and legislative regulation of relevant requirements. Limitations. None. Conclusion. The developed guidelines allow optimization of the system of assessment, safety, and quality control of bottled natural mineral waters.