53 Silent in Eco-Test: These Four Mineral Waters Fall Short
These four mineral waters fail to meet the required standards
Craving a thirst-quencher? Germans are ditching beer bottles and turning to mineral water, hoping for a greener, healthier option. But beware, the Eco-Test results show that many of these mineral waters on the market aren't as pure as they claim.
The per capita consumption of mineral and spring water in Germany has skyrocketed by nearly ten times over the past 50 years. With over 500 recognized mineral springs in Germany, you'd think that choosing a clean refreshment wouldn't be too difficult. However, Eco-Test's recent findings indicate otherwise.
Hidden Dangers
Eco-Test analyzed 53 still mineral waters from across the country, with prices ranging from 0.19 to 1.23 euros per liter. Among these, five were organic, and ten were suitable for preparing infant formula.
The lab tested each product for heavy metals, nitrate, chromium(VI), benzene, pesticide metabolites, sweeteners, PFAS, and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Products were also microbiologically tested, with infant and organic waters undergoing additional tests for nitrite, fluoride, sulfate, sodium, and radionuclides.
The results? Many of these waters aren't as pristine as they seem. Twenty-one products tested positive for chemicals like chromium(VI) or arsenic, which can naturally occur in soil but can also come from human-made sources like pesticides.
But that's not all. The lab found TFA, a persistent, reproductive toxic, and mobile substance, in many waters. With levels exceeding the maximum allowable amount of PFAS in water for human consumption in seven waters, it's clear there's a problem. Although the measured levels don't pose an immediate health risk, TFA is a cause for concern. Recently, several German authorities, including the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment and the Federal Environment Agency, have classified TFA as problematic.
Four Failed the Test
Four mineral waters were rated "insufficient" due to their high levels of harmful substances. These included the "Good & Cheap Natural Mineral Water Still" from Edeka, the "Naturalis Natural Mineral Water Still" from Netto, and the "Fresh Breeze Reinbeker Klosterquelle without carbonic acid."
The lab found "strongly increased" total bacterial counts in the "Fresh Breeze Reinbeker Klosterquelle without carbonic acid," exceeding the values allowed by the Mineral and Table Water Ordinance.
The winners of this test and budget-friendly options include the "very good" waters "K- Classic Natural Mineral Water Still" from Kaufland and "Saskia Natural Mineral Water Still" from Lidl, both available for only 0.19 euros per liter.
Make informed decisions about the water you drink. Stay refreshed and healthy with pure, clean mineral water.
Source: ntv.de, awi
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- The community is encouraged to be aware of the small and medium-sized undertakings (SMEs) in the food-and-drink industry, such as mineral water producers, as Eco-Test findings indicate that some SMEs might not adhere to the community policy regarding health-and-wellness and nutrition.
- As the consumption of mineral water has increased, it is essential to consider the science behind the production process to ensure the small and medium-sized undertakings (SMEs) comply with regulations regarding health-and-wellness, lifestyle, and food-and-drink industries, in order to maintain the quality and safety of the products.
- The Eco-Test results highlight the importance of strict regulations for small and medium-sized undertakings (SMEs) in the food and drink industry, particularly related to health-and-wellness, nutrition, and sustainability, to minimize the presence of harmful substances like heavy metals, PFAS, and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA).
