PREAMBLE (NOT PART OF THE STANDARD)

In order to promote public education and public safety, equal justice for all, a better informed citizenry, the rule of law, world trade and world peace, this legal document is hereby made available on a noncommercial basis, as it is the right of all humans to know and speak the laws that govern them.

END OF PREAMBLE (NOT PART OF THE STANDARD)

Cover

Image

a

Image

CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ)
2nd Floor Nicholas House
29 & 30 Broad Street
Bridgetown, St Michael
Barbados
T: 246.622.7670 | F: 246.622.7678
Website: http://www.crosq.org

© CROSQ 2010 – All rights reserved
Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission.

b

CARICOM REGIONAL STANDARD
Specification for packaged water

CRS 1: 2010

CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ)
2nd Floor, Nicholas House
29 & 30 Broad Street
Bridgetown, St. Michael
Barbados
T: 246.622.7670 | F: 246.622.7678
Website: http://www.crosq.org

© CROSQ 2011 – All rights reserved. No part of this publication is to be reproduced without the prior written consent of CROSQ.

ISBN 978-976-8234-13-1
ICS 67.160.20

i
AMENDMENTS ISSUED SINCE PUBLICATION
AMENDMENT NO. DATE OF ISSUE TYPE OF AMENDMENT NO. OF TEXT AFFECTED TEXT OF AMENDMENT
         
         
         
         
ii iii

Committee representation

The preparation of this CARICOM Regional Standard was carried out under the supervision of the Regional Technical Committee for Foods (RTC 3) by Sub-Committee A - Packaged Water (hosted by the CARICOM Member State, Saint Lucia) which at the time comprised the following members:

Members Representing
Mr. Thomas Edmund (Chairperson) Private Interest
Mr. Everton Ambrose Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture
Mr. Eden Compton Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and lands
Dr. Xanthe Dubusson Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards
Mrs. Loraine Francois National Consumers Association
Mr. Patrick Joseph Saint Lucia Manufacturers Association
Mrs. Louvette Louisy Caribbean AgriBusiness Association
Ms. Norma Maynard Sir Arthur Lewis Community College
Mr. Ronald Pilgrim Caribbean Research and Development Institute
Mr. Claudius Prospere Ministry of Health, Wellness, Family Affairs, Human Services and Gender Relations
Mr. Martin Satney Saint Lucia Industrial and Small Business Association
Mrs. Delphina Vernor Caribbean Environmental Health Institute
iv

Contents

Foreword 1
1 Scope 2
2 Normative references 2
3 Terms and definitions 2
4 Composition and quality factors 4
  4.1 Modification, treatment and handling of packaged waters 4
    4.1.1 Natural mineral water 4
    4.1.2 Spring water 4
    4.1.3 Purified and prepared water 5
  4.2 Health-related limits for chemical and radiological substances 6
  4.3 Microbiological requirements 6
  4.4 Limits on certain substances 7
  4.5 Contaminants 9
  4.6 Addition of minerals 10
5 Requirements for hygiene in collecting, processing and marketing of packaged water 10
6 Packaging 10
7 Labelling 11
  7.1 General labelling 11
  7.2 Purified and prepared water 12
  7.3 Spring water 12
  7.4 Mineral water 13
  7.5 Labelling prohibitions 14
8 Methods of analysis and sampling 14
List of tables
Table 1 — Microbiological quality specifications for first examination 6
Table 2 — Microbiological quality specifications for second examination 7
Table 3 — Maximum concentrations of certain substances in natural mineral water 7
Table 4 — Maximum concentrations of certain substances in spring water in mg/L 8
Table 5 — Maximum concentrations of certain substances in spring water in μg/L 8
Table 6 — Maximum concentrations of certain substances in purified water 9
v vi

Foreword

This standard has been prepared to set levels of quality and safety for packaged water (natural mineral water, spring water and purified water) produced and traded in CARICOM Member States.

In several CARICOM Member States, water from springs or other natural sources is packaged and sold. There are many underground reservoirs which have not been exposed to any pollution and can be exploited to satisfy a growing demand for natural pure water or water containing certain minerals. Purified waters from other sources are also entering the trade and it is now desirable to set guidelines for the production and promotion of such products.

It was approved by the Thirtieth Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development on 3-4 May 2010.

In the development of this standard, assistance was derived from the following:

  1. The Food and Drugs Regulations, Canada (1980-1988), Division 12;
  2. The Food and Drug Regulations, United States, 1996, Title 21, sub-part 103.35 and Part 129 of the Code of Federal Regulations;
  3. CODEX Alimentarius Standard, CODEX STAN 108-1981, Rev. 1997 European Regional Standard for Natural Mineral Waters;
  4. CODEX Alimentarius Standard, CODEX STAN 227-2001 General Standard for Bottled/Packaged Drinking Waters (Other than Natural Mineral Waters);
  5. British Soft Drinks Association, 1995, Guide to Good Bottled Water Standards;
  6. Allan H. Varnan and James P. Sutherland, Beverages: Technology, Chemistry and Microbiology Vol. 2;
  7. ISO Standard Compendium, Environmental Water Quality, Vol. 3 - Physical, Biological and Microbiological Methods, First Edition;
  8. Statutory Instruments 1999 No. 1540 Food: The Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water Regulations 1999 (United Kingdom);
  9. World Health Organization, Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality, Second Edition, Volume 1 – Recommendations.

This standard will be reviewed, and may be revised from time to time to allow for changes in manufacturing technology or consumer preferences within the Caribbean Community.

1

1 Scope

This regional standard specifies requirements for the purity, treatment, bacteriological acceptability, packaging and labelling of all waters that are pre-packaged for sale and used as beverages or in foods.

This standard does not apply to water distributed by the public water supply system, to carbonated beverages, soda water or to packaged water sold for purposes other than as a beverage.

This standard should be used in conjunction with CRCP 1, Code of Hygienic Practice for Packaged Water.

2 Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. The latest edition of the referenced documents (including any amendments) applies.

CARICOM Regional Code of Practice, CRCP 1, Code of Hygienic Practice for Packaged water

CARICOM Regional Standard, CRS 5, Labelling Standard for Pre-packaged food

CODEX Alimentarius Standard, Methods of Analysis and Sampling, Volume 13

CODEX Alimentarius Standard, (CAC/GL 9-1987), General Principles for the Addition of Essential Nutrients to Foods

World Health Organization, Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions shall apply.

3.1
decarbonated natural mineral water

natural mineral water which, after possible treatment in accordance with 4.1.1 and after packaging, has less carbon dioxide content than that at emergence and does not visibly and spontaneously give off carbon dioxide under normal conditions of temperature and pressure

3.2
de-ionization

process by which water is passed through ion exchange resins for the removal of dissolved minerals

3.3
distillation

process of heating water and condensing it in such a manner as to remove dissolved minerals from the water

3.4
natural mineral water

water clearly distinguishable from ordinary water because:

  1. it is characterized by its content of certain mineral salts and their relative proportions and the presence of trace elements or of other constituents;
  2. it is obtained directly from natural or drilled sources from underground water bearing strata for which all possible precautions should be taken within the protected perimeters to avoid any pollution of, or external influence on, the chemical and physical qualities of natural mineral water; 2
  3. of the constancy of its composition and the stability of its discharge and its temperature, due account being taken of the cycles of minor natural fluctuations;
  4. it is collected under conditions which guarantee the original microbiological purity and chemical composition of its essential components;
  5. it is packaged close to the point of emergence of the source with particular hygienic precautions; and
  6. it is not subjected to any treatment other than those permitted by this standard

3.5
natural mineral water fortified with carbon dioxide from the source

natural mineral water which, after possible treatment in accordance with 4.1.1 and after packaging, has more carbon dioxide content than that at emergence

3.6
naturally carbonated natural mineral water

natural mineral water which, after possible treatment in accordance with 4.1.1 and re-incorporation of gas from the same source and after packaging taking into consideration usual technical tolerance, has the same content of carbon dioxide spontaneously and visibly given off under normal conditions of temperature and pressure

3.7
non-carbonated natural mineral water

natural mineral water which, by nature and after possible treatment in accordance with 4.1.1 and after packaging taking into consideration usual technical tolerance, does not contain free carbon dioxide in excess of the amount necessary to keep the hydrogen carbonate salts present in the water dissolved

3.8
packaged water

other than natural mineral water, is water for human consumption and may contain minerals and carbon dioxide, naturally occurring or intentionally added, but does not contain sugars, sweeteners, flavourings or other foodstuffs

3.9
potable water

water that is naturally suitable or artificially made suitable for human consumption and as such is free from disease causing microorganisms

3.10
prepared water

water that does not comply with all the provisions set for waters defined by origin as in 3.16 and may originate from any type of water supply

3.11
public water supply system

source of potable water operated by a public utility, a company or other body, using distribution through pipelines or tank-wagons

3.12
purified water

potable water that is obtained from an underground source or other suitable sources (including public water supply), and does not contain any concentrations of inorganic substances in excess of 500 mg/l

3.13
reverse osmosis

use of membrane filters to remove dissolved solids from water

3

3.14
spring water

water derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the earth

3.15
UV radiation

process of subjecting water to radiation between the wavelengths 220 nm and 300 nm for the purposes of disinfection

NOTE For disinfection, 90 % of the radiation should be of wavelength 254 nm.

3.16
waters defined by origin

waters, whether they come from the underground or from the surface, which have the following characteristics:

  1. they originate from specific environmental resources without passing through a community water system;
  2. precautions have been taken within the vulnerability perimeters to avoid any pollution of, or external influence on, the chemical, microbiological and physical qualities of water at origin;
  3. they are subjected to collecting conditions which guarantee the original microbiological purity and essential elements of their chemical make-up at origin;
  4. from the microbiological standpoint, they are constantly fit for human consumption at their source and are kept in that state with particular hygienic precautions until and while packaging in accordance with provisions of 4 and 5; and
  5. they are not subject to any modification or treatment other than those permitted under 4.1.2 and 4.1.3

4 Composition and quality factors

4.1 Modification, treatment and handling of packaged waters

4.1.1 Natural mineral water

4.1.1.1

Natural mineral water shall be obtained from an underground aquifer that is not polluted by agricultural, domestic, industrial or other wastes.

4.1.1.2

Treatment of these waters may be carried out only on condition that the mineral content of the water is not modified in its essential constituents which give the water its properties. Natural mineral water may be treated by the following processes:

  1. decantation and or filtration to remove suspended or un-dissolved matter and unstable constituents such as compounds containing iron, manganese, sulphur and arsenic; and
  2. aeration with clean, filtered air.
4.1.1.3

The transport of natural mineral waters in bulk containers for packaging or for any other process before packaging is prohibited.

4.1.2 Spring water

4.1.2.1

Spring water shall be collected only at the spring or through a bore hole tapping the underground formation feeding the spring.

4
4.1.2.2

There shall be a natural force causing the water to flow to the surface through a natural orifice.

4.1.2.3

The location of the spring shall be identified.

4.1.2.4

Spring water collected with the use of an external force shall be from the same underground stratum as the spring, as shown by a measurable hydraulic connection using a hydro-geologically valid method between the bore hole and the natural spring, and shall have all the natural properties, before treatment and be of the same composition and quality, as the water that flows naturally to the surface of the earth.

NOTE If spring water is collected with the use of an external force, water must continue to flow naturally to the surface of the earth through the spring’s natural orifice.

4.1.2.5

Spring water may be treated by processes that remove unstable or un-dissolved matter, influence the microbiological population and the physical and chemical characteristics of the water. Such treatments shall be applied on condition that, when the water is sampled as in 8 of this standard, the characteristics of the original water comply with the provisions of Table 2 and 4.2, 4.4 and 4.5 of this standard. These processes include:

  1. decantation to remove solids;
  2. filtration to remove particles of suspended matter;
  3. aeration with clean filtered air;
  4. precipitation;
  5. ultra or micro-filtration and activated charcoal filtration;
  6. ozonation; and
  7. ultra-violet radiation.

4.1.3 Purified and prepared water

4.1.3.1

Purified water may be subjected to treatments that modify the microbiological, physical and chemical characteristics of the water. Such treatments shall be applied on condition that, when the water is sampled as in 8 of this standard, the characteristics of the water conform to all the provisions of Table 3 and 4.2, 4.4 and 4.5 of this standard.

4.1.3.2

Purified and prepared waters shall be obtained by applying any one or more of the following processes:

  1. decantation;
  2. filtration; and
  3. clarification by using chemical agents and may be treated with chlorine or a source of chlorine (with excess chlorine being removed by aeration); or activated carbon to remove chlorine, odours or flavours.
4.1.3.3

In addition, purified and prepared waters may:

  1. be distilled;
  2. have added fluoride, or ozone; 5
  3. be demineralised, so that inorganic substances are reduced below 10 mg/l;
  4. be carbonated;
  5. be treated by reverse osmosis;
  6. treated with ultraviolet radiation; or
  7. be treated with ozone prior to packaging.

4.2 Health-related limits for chemical and radiological substances

Packaged water shall not contain substances or emit radioactivity in quantities that may be injurious to health. All packaged water shall comply with the health-related requirements of the latest edition of World Health Organization, Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality.

4.3 Microbiological requirements

4.3.1

Mineral water, spring water and purified water, when sampled and tested within 24 h of packaging as in 8, shall contain:

  1. no coliform bacteria in 250 ml at 37 °C and 44.5 °C;
  2. no faecal Streptococci in 250 ml; and
  3. no Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 250 ml:
    1. no more than 100 aerobic bacteria per ml at 22 °C in 72 h; and
    2. no more than 20 aerobic bacteria per ml at 37 °C in 24 h.

4.3.2

Any increase in the total viable colony count of the water between 12 h after packaging and the time of sale shall not be greater than that normally expected.

4.3.3

During marketing, natural mineral water shall be:

  1. of such a quality that it will not present a risk to the health of the consumer; and
  2. in conformity with the following microbiological quality specifications.
Table 1 — Microbiological quality specifications for first examination
First Examination Decision
E. coli or thermotolerant coliforms 1 × 250 ml must not be detectable in any sample
Total coliform bacteria 1 × 250 ml if ≥ 1 or ≤ 2 a second examination is carried out;
if > 2 rejected
Fecal streptococci 1 × 250 ml if ≥ 1 or ≤ 2 a second examination is carried out;
if > 2 rejected
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 × 250 ml if ≥ 1 or ≤ 2 a second examination is carried out;
if > 2 rejected
Sulphite-reducing anaerobes 1 × 50 ml if ≥ 1 or ≤ 2 a second examination is carried out;
if > 2 rejected
NOTE For a second examination the same volumes are used
6
Table 2 — Microbiological quality specifications for second examination
Second examination
  n c m M
Total coliform bacteria 4 1 0 2
Fecal streptococci 4 1 0 2
Sulphite-reducing anaerobes 4 1 0 2
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 4 1 0 2
where
n is number of sample units from a lot that must be examined to satisfy a given sampling plan;
c is the maximum acceptable number, or the maximum allowable number of sample units that may exceed the microbiological criterion m. When this number is exceeded, the lot is rejected;
m is the maximum number or level of relevant bacteria/g; values above this level are either marginally acceptable or unacceptable;
M is a quantity that is used to separate marginally acceptable quality from unacceptable quality foods. Values at or above M in any sample are unacceptable relative to health hazard, sanitary indicators, or spoilage potential.

4.4 Limits on certain substances

4.4.1

Mineral water, spring water or purified or prepared waters, when sampled and tested as in 8 shall not contain the substances named in the respective tables in concentrations exceeding the limits specified.

Table 3 — Maximum concentrations of certain substances in natural mineral water
Substance Maximum concentration mg/l
Aluminium 0.2
Antimony 0.005
Arsenic 0.01 (calculated as As)
Barium 0.7
Bromate 0.010
Cadmium 0.003
Chromium (VI) 0.05 (calculated as total Cr)
Copper 1.0
Lead 0.01
Manganese 0.4
Mercury 0.001
Nickel 0.02
Selenium 0.01
Thallium 0.002
Zinc 5.0
Borate 0.2
Cyanide 0.005
Fluoride 0.01 (calculated as As)
Chloride 0.7 7
Nitrate 50 (calculated as Nitrate)
Nitrite 0.02
Sulphide 0.05 (calculated as H2S)
Radium226 + Radium228 15 pCi/L

4.4.2

Natural mineral waters, when sampled as above, shall not contain the following substances in amounts above the limits quantified in accordance with CODEX Alimentarius, Volume 13:

  1. surface active agents;
  2. pesticides and PCBs;
  3. mineral oil; and
  4. poly-nuclear aromatic hydrocarbons.
Table 4 — Maximum concentrations of certain substances in spring water in mg/L
Substance Maximum Concentration mg/L
Magnesium 50
Nitrogen 1
Potassium 12
Sodium 50
Nitrate 250
Sulphate 0.5
Ammonium (ammonia and ammonium ions) 150

 

Table 5 — Maximum concentrations of certain substances in spring water in μg/L
Substance Maximum Concentration μg/L
Aluminium 200
Iron 200
Manganese 50
Copper 5000
Zinc 3000
Phosphorus 2200
Fluoride 1500
Silver 10
Arsenic 50
Cadmium 5
Phenols 0.5
Cyanide 50
Mercury 1 8
Nickel 50
Selenium 10
Antimony 10
Lead 10
Dissolved or emulsified hydrocarbons; mineral oils 10
Chromium 50

 

Table 6 — Maximum concentrations of certain substances in purified water
Substance Maximum Concentration mg/L
Aluminium 0.2
Antimony 0.005
Arsenic 0.05
Barium 0.7
Cadmium 0.003
Chromium (VI) 0.05
Copper 1.0
Iron 0.03
Aluminium 0.01
Manganese 0.5
Lead 0.001
Mercury 0.0
Nickel 2
Thallium 0.002
Selenium 0.01
Zinc 3.0
Borate 30 (calculated as H3BO3 .07)
Cyanide 0.07
Fluoride 1.5 (calculated as F)
Organic matter 3 (calculated as O2)
Chloride 250
Nitrate 45 (calculated as NO3−)
Sulphate 250
Nitrite 3

4.5 Contaminants

Packaged water shall not contain:

  1. detectable residues of pesticides, such as:
    1. organochlorines;

      EXAMPLE endrin, lindane, toxaphene, 2,4-D, 2,4,5-TP

      9
    2. organophosphates;

      EXAMPLE pirimiphos - ethyl, ethoprop, diazinon, malathion, glyphosate

    3. carbonates;

      EXAMPLE carbofuran, oxamyl, propoxur

    4. bipyridinium salts

      EXAMPLE paraquat, diquat

  2. trihalomethane; and
  3. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

4.6 Addition of minerals

Any addition of minerals to packaged water shall comply with the provisions outlined in this standard and the CODEX Alimentarius Commission General Principles for the Addition of Essential Nutrients to Foods (CAC/GL 9-1987).

5 Requirements for hygiene in collecting, processing and marketing of packaged water

5.1

The products covered by the provisions of this standard shall be prepared in accordance with CRCP 1.

5.1.1

The source or the point of emergence shall be protected against risks of pollution.

5.1.2

The installations intended for the production of natural mineral waters shall be such as to exclude any possibility of contamination. For this purpose, and in particular:

  1. the installations for collection, the pipes and the reservoirs shall be made from suitable materials, and in such a way as to prevent the introduction of foreign substances into the water;
  2. the equipment for production, especially installations for washing and packaging, shall meet hygienic requirements;
  3. if during production it is found that the water is polluted, the manufacturer shall stop all operations until the cause of pollution is eliminated; and
  4. the above provisions shall be subject to periodic checks in accordance with the requirements of the country of origin.

6 Packaging

6.1

Mineral water, spring water and purified water shall be packed in hermetically sealed retail containers, which are suitable for preventing the possible adulteration of the water. Retail containers and closures shall be made of non-toxic materials that will not contaminate the water or affect its flavour, and shall be designed to withstand stresses that may be experienced in bottling, handling, transport and storage.

6.2

The containers used for packaged water for sale shall be made from non-toxic, food grade, and inert material.

10

6.3

At regular intervals, unfilled containers and closures shall be sampled at the point of filling and tested for the presence of coliform organisms. At least four containers and four closures shall be taken, and the packaging process shall be deemed acceptable if:

  1. no coliform organisms are found; and
  2. not more than 1 CFU/ml of container capacity, or not more than 1 CFU/cm2 of container surface is found.

6.4

Retail containers shall be protected during transport by suitable shipping cartons or crates. If crates are reusable they shall be inspected before re-use and cleaned as may be necessary to minimize risk of contamination of the product.

6.5

Packaging shall be transported under sanitary conditions to prevent contamination.

6.6

Closures shall be so designed as to prevent contamination and shall be tamper-proof and tested regularly.

7 Labelling

7.1 General labelling

7.1.1

The labelling on retail packages of mineral water, spring water, and purified water shall be in the official language(s) of the country where the product is sold. Labelling shall be clearly and prominently displayed, and readily discernible under customary conditions of purchase and use.

7.1.2

Labelling shall be in accordance with CRS 5.

7.1.3

Information presented in other languages shall be clearly separated from that of the official language of the country where the product is sold.

7.1.4

Labels on retail containers of packaged water shall carry the following information:

  1. the brand name or trade name, if any;
  2. the name and postal address of the manufacturer or bottler, or of the person controlling the brand name, together with an adequate street address;
  3. the name of the country of origin;
  4. the average net contents in the container, declared by volume in the metric (Systeme Internationale) system of units;
  5. the date of filling of the container, a lot number or batch number;
  6. the words “Expiry date” or “Best before” followed by a date up to and including that which the water can reasonably be expected to retain its specific properties if stored properly;
  7. recommended storage conditions, if the integrity of the water depends on the storage conditions; and
  8. where required by the authorities having jurisdiction, if packaged or bottled water has been modified by a permitted treatment before packaging, the modification or the result of the treatment must be declared on the label in a manner prescribed in the applicable legislation.
11

7.2 Purified and prepared water

Labels on retail containers of purified water shall include the following information in addition to that required by 7.1:

  1. the product name, “Purified Water” or “Water” or “Pure Drinking Water” or any other description which may enhance the marketability of the package, provided such description is not false or misleading and which may be modified by the words:
    1. “distilled”, when treated by distillation;
    2. “demineralised”, where the mineral content has been reduced by other means than distillation;
    3. “carbonated” or “sparkling” where carbon dioxide has been added; and
    4. “non carbonated” or “non sparkling” or “still” where there is no visible and spontaneous release of carbon dioxide under normal conditions of temperature and pressure when the packaged is opened;
  2. a statement of the total dissolved solids content of the packaged water. For waters defined by origin, the chemical composition that confers the characteristics to the product may be declared on the label;
  3. an indication of the method used in treatment except where the water has been:
    1. chlorinated, followed by removal of chlorine and chlorinating agent;
    2. decanted;
    3. filtered, or an ingredient declared on the label has been added; and
    4. treated by reverse osmosis; and
  4. when prepared water is supplied by a public or private tap water distribution system the wording “From a public or private distribution system” shall appear on the product principal display panel.

7.3 Spring water

7.3.1

Labels on retail containers of spring water shall carry the following information in addition to that required by 7.1:

  1. a statement of the total dissolved mineral salt content in mg/l;
  2. the total fluoride content in mg/l;
  3. a declaration of the addition of ozone; and
  4. if carbon dioxide has been added, the product shall be described as “carbonated spring water”.

7.3.2

Labels on retail containers of spring water may also include:

  1. a statement of the results of chemical analysis of the source water, or as packaged in the container;
  2. “low sodium”, if the sodium ion content is less than 20 mg/l; and
  3. “sodium free”, if the sodium content is less than 5 mg/l.
12

7.4 Mineral water

7.4.1

Labels on retail containers of mineral water shall carry the following information in addition to that required by 7.1:

  1. the name of the product;
  2. the geographical location and the name of the source shall be declared;
  3. a statement of the total dissolved mineral salt content in mg/l;
  4. a declaration of the addition of any fluoride or ozone:
    1. if the product contains more than 1 mg/l of fluoride, the following term shall appear on the label as part of, or in close proximity to, the name of the product or in an otherwise prominent position: “contains fluoride”. Where the product contains more than 2 mg/l fluoride the following sentence should be included on the label: “This product is not suitable for infants and children under the age of seven years”; and
    2. if carbon dioxide has been added that was not present when emerging from the source, or in amounts greater than that originally present, the product shall be described as “carbonated mineral water” and a statement of the results of chemical analysis of the source water or as packaged in the container;
  5. if a natural mineral water has been submitted to a treatment in accordance with 4.1.1, the result of the treatment shall be declared on the label; and
  6. the analytical composition giving characteristics to the product shall be declared in the labelling.

7.4.2

Labels on retail containers of mineral water may also include:

  1. a statement of the process used in treatment, as in 4.1 and the results of the treatment shall be declared on the label;
  2. the word “alkaline”, where the content of bicarbonate ion, HCO3−, exceeds 600 mg/l;
  3. the word “saline” where the content of sodium chloride, NaCl, exceeds 1000 mg/l;
  4. the words “low in sodium” where the content of sodium ion, Na+, is less than 20 mg/l;
  5. the words “contains fluoride” where the content of fluoride ion, F−, exceeds 1 mg/l;
  6. the words “contains iron” where the content of iron, Fe2+, exceeds 1 mg/l;
  7. the words “contains iodide”, where the content of iodine ion, I−, exceeds 1 mg/l;
  8. the words “may be diuretic”, where the content of total dissolved solids exceeds 1000 mg/l or the level of bicarbonate ions is greater than 600 mg/l; and
  9. the words “may be a laxative” where the product contains greater than 600 mg/l of sulphate other than calcium sulphate.

7.4.3

Where a source of mineral water has been inspected, sampled, tested and approved by a national competent authority, a statement of such approval may be included on the label.

13

7.5 Labelling prohibitions

7.5.1

No statement or pictorial device shall be used on a label of a retail container of mineral water, spring water, or purified water which may mislead the consumer as to its nature, origin, composition, or properties.

7.5.2

Trade or brand names referring to mineral or spring water shall not include a name of a location or community unless the source is located within that location or community.

7.5.3

The trade or brand name referring to purified water shall not include a reference to a geographical feature, location or community.

7.5.4

No claims for medicinal effects (whether preventive, nutritive, alleviative or curative) shall be made in labels or advertisements of mineral, spring or purified water, other than those allowed above.

8 Methods of analysis and sampling

Methods of analysis and sampling shall be in accordance with the CODEX Alimentarius Commission, Methods of Analysis and Sampling, Volume 13.

14

Image

CARICOM REGIONAL ORGANISATION FOR STANDARDS AND QUALITY

The CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) was created as an Inter-Governmental Organisation by the signing of an agreement among fourteen Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). CROSQ is the regional centre for promoting efficiency and competitive production in goods and services, through the process of standardization and the verification of quality. It is the successor to the Caribbean Common Market Standards Council (CCMSC), and supports the CARICOM mandate in the expansion of intra-regional and extra-regional trade in goods and services.

CROSQ is mandated to represent the interest of the region in international and hemispheric standards work, to promote the harmonization of metrology systems and standards, and to increase the pace of development of regional standards for the sustainable production of goods and services in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and the enhancement of social and economic development.

CROSQ VISION:

The premier CARICOM organisation for the development and promotion of an Internationally Recognised Regional Quality Infrastructure; and for international and regional harmonized CARICOM Metrology, Standards, Inspection, Testing and Quality Infrastructure

CROSQ MISSION:

The promotion and development of standards and standards related activities to facilitate international competitiveness and the sustainable production of goods and services within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) for the enhancement of social and economic development

15 16