Is bottled water subject to FDA regulations?

Yes, bottled water is subject to regulations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA regulates bottled water as a packaged food product under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).

The FDA's regulations for bottled water include standards for quality, safety, and labeling. These regulations are designed to ensure that bottled water is safe for consumption and meets certain quality criteria.

The FDA's bottled water regulations include requirements for:

- Quality: Bottled water must be of a safe and sanitary quality. It must be free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.

- Safety: Bottled water must be processed and bottled in a way that ensures its safety. It must be packaged in a way that protects it from contamination.

- Labeling: Bottled water labels must be accurate and truthful. They must include information about the source of the water, the type of water, the date it was bottled, and the name and address of the bottler.

The FDA also conducts periodic inspections of bottled water facilities to ensure that they are complying with the regulations. If a bottled water facility is found to be in violation of the regulations, the FDA can take action to prevent the sale of the water or to require the bottler to correct the violation.

Consumers can help ensure they are drinking safe bottled water by checking the label to ensure it meets FDA requirements and by looking for the FDA's seal of approval. They should also avoid drinking bottled water that has been damaged or that has exceeded its expiration date.