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NEWS RELEASE
April 25, 2005
BOTTLED
WATER:
MORE THAN JUST A STORY ABOUT SALES GROWTH
Stringent Federal, State and Industry Standards Help Ensure Safety,
Quality and Good Taste
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Newly released statistics by Beverage Marketing Corporation show U.S. bottled water sales and consumption continuing to rise, as consumers increasingly choose bottled water over other commercial beverages.
This upward trend was reflected in 2004 bottled water volume of nearly 6.8 billion gallons, an 8.6 percent increase over 2003, and a 2004 bottled water per capita consumption level of 23.8 gallons, compared to 22.1 gallons per capita the previous year.
These statistics demonstrate continued consumer demand and appreciation for the convenience and good taste of bottled water brands consumed on-the-go, during exercise, at restaurants or meetings, and at home or the office.
However, consumers should also know that bottled water safety and quality result from multiple layers of regulation and standards at the federal, state and industry levels.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fully regulates bottled water as a packaged food product with stringent standards for safety, quality, production, labeling, and identity. State governments also regulate bottled water and, for members of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), the industry requires additional standards through the IBWA Model Code, which are verified through annual, unannounced plant inspections by an independent, third-party organization.
Along with FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), which are required of all foods, bottled water must comply with several other applicable regulations, including Standards of Identity, Standards of Quality and additional, specific bottled water GMPs. Being a packaged food product, bottled water is also bound by the Nutrition Labeling Education Act (NLEA) and the full range of FDA protective measures designed to enforce product safety and protect consumers.
States also have authority to regulate bottled water and also serve to inspect, sample, analyze and approve bottled water sources. Testing laboratory certification is another area where states may regulate bottled water. As part of the IBWA Model Code, IBWA members voluntarily utilize the principles of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) for a science-based approach to bottled water production and safety. FDA recognizes HACCP as a key component of food safety and consumer protection.
“While all beverages have their role in a marketplace with an abundance of drink choices," says Stephen R. Kay, IBWA Vice President of Communications, "consumers are choosing bottled water as a refreshing, hydrating beverage and as an alternative to others that may contain calories, caffeine, sugar, artificial colors, alcohol or other ingredients, which they wish to moderate or avoid."
For
an overview of bottled water regulations and standards and other
bottled water information, visit the IBWA web site at www.bottledwater.org
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