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1700
Diagonal Road, Suite 650
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-683-5213
Fax: 703-683-4074
Web: www.bottledwater.org
NEWS
RELEASE
For
Immediate Release
April 25, 2005
CONTACT: Bridget Wells
703-647-4607
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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The
International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative
source of information about all types of bottled waters. Founded
in 1958, IBWA's membership includes U.S. and international
bottlers, distributors and suppliers. IBWA is committed to
working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product,
and state governments to set stringent standards for safe,
high quality bottled water products. In addition to FDA and
state regulations, the Association requires member bottlers
to adhere to the IBWA Model Code, which mandates additional
standards and practices that in some cases are more stringent
than federal and state regulations. A key feature of the IBWA
Model Code is an annual, unannounced plant inspection by an
independent, third party organization. Consumers can contact
IBWA at 1-800-WATER-11 or log onto IBWA's web site (www.bottledwater.org)
for more information about bottled water and a list of members'
brands. Media inquiries can be directed to Bridget B. Wells
at 703-683-5213 ext. 107.
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