The Scoop on Your Mineral Water: A Shocking Reveal
Insufficient for their intended purpose: these four mineral waters
In the bustling world of Germany, mineral water consumption has skyrocketed over the past 5 Decades, with an impressive 900% increase. With over 500 recognized mineral springs, the thirsty population has a multitude of options to quench their thirst - from still to carbonated, and organic to infant formula- suitable mineral waters.
Curious about the real deal behind those bottles? Eco-Test decided to put 53 still mineral waters to the test, selecting a wide variety from all over the country. Their quest started at a meager 0.19 euros per liter and went all the way up to 1.23 euros. Perhaps unsurprisingly, dear tap water, which costs only 0.3 to 0.5 cents per liter, made a good comparison.
Nitrate, Chromium, PFA and More!
All the samples were carefully analyzed in the lab for heavy metals, nitrates, chromium(VI), benzene, pesticide residues, sweeteners, PFAS (Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances), and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Infant and organic waters underwent extra screening for nitrites, fluorides, sulfates, sodium, and radionuclides.
Although no baby bottles will be thrown out due to their findings, 21 tested waters couldn't be called pure. Pollutants like chromium(VI) and arsenic were detected in these waters. While some occur naturally in the soil, they can also originate from human-made sources like pesticides.
The PFAS compound, TFA, was found in many samples. TFA belongs to the notorious "forever chemicals," also known as PFAS. German authorities have recently identified TFA as incredibly persistent, reproductive toxic, and highly mobile in the environment.
The Jury is In: Many Waters Failed
Four mineral waters were deemed insufficient due to excessive levels of chromium and TFA. Among the test's biggest losers were the "Good & Cheap Natural Mineral Water Still" from Edeka and the "Naturalis Natural Mineral Water Still" from Netto. Notably, "Fresh Breeze Reinbeker Monastery Spring without Carbonic Acid" also landed in the inadequate category due to high total germ counts that surpassed the legal limits set by the Mineral and Table Water Regulation.
On the positive side, "K-Classic Natural Mineral Water Still" from Kaufland and "Saskia Natural Mineral Water Still" from Lidl received a very good rating and can be purchased affordably for just 0.19 euros per liter.
So, the next time you grab a bottle of mineral water, think twice. Despite its refreshing promises, it might not be as pure as you'd expect.
- Drinking Water
- Tests
- Consumers
- Food
- Food Industry
- Eco-Test
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email Print Copy Link
- The Community policy should ensure transparency in the labeling of food products, such as small and medium-sized undertakings that produce and sell mineral water, to inform consumers about the presence of potential contaminants like nitrates, chromium, PFA, and trifluoroacetic acid in their products.
- In light of the recent findings by Eco-Test, the health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and nutrition sectors should advocate for stricter regulations on small and medium-sized undertakings that produce and sell mineral water, to mitigate the risks of harmful substances like chromium(VI), arsenic, PFAS, and TFA.
