Panama Forum

panamajames
Joined 2012
Posts: 5096

8 years ago

Bottled Water in Panama Fails Standards

8 years ago

Most bottled water sold in the country does not meet the quality standards required by the Panamanian norm.

The Specialized Institute of Analysis (IEA) at the University of Panama analyzed all the watermarks that are sold in the country and concluded that a 'lot' of them do not meet any of the 30 measurement parameters.

The study was ordered by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the report was delivered in April. Vasco Duke, director of the IEA, said that more than 50 samples were taken and recorded some not recommended neutral pH.

This is because, according to Duke, that during the purification process ozone is added to kill bacteria and the water can get a bit acidic and obviously does not meet the specifications required by the country.

Another of the measured parameters, some brands did not meet was the heterotrophic bacteria, which resulted with exceeding the provisions of the standard, which is up to 100 parts per milliliter of water levels.

Duke stressed, however, that bottled water sold in the country is fit for human consumption. 'It should be clear that the Panamanian rule is quite strict compared with other countries, however, that does not mean that it must reform' said the expert.

In other countries, he said, they do not measure the heterotrophic bacteria, but the Panamanian required standard itself. Also accepted levels to 5000 parts per milliliter of water. 'Many of the parameters of water samples here failed the test are totally acceptable in the United States,' he said, as an example.

But under that premise he stated that both domestic and imported brands not comply with the standards required by the country.

These tests look for the MoH and the Panamanian Food Safety Authority strengthen controls and inspections of companies, the specialist said.

Duke considered, moreover, that the problem of bottled water is increasing by improper storage. In some companies, as well as in shops, water is not stored properly, and is exposed to high temperatures, it is dusty and the product is affected.

Vasco Duke, chemical training, recommended to drink bottled water only if the packing date is recent.

The water which distributes National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewer is of good quality and they have shown analyzes practiced to water sources, said Duke.

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BUSINESS AND SPRING

The bottled water market is worth about $ 20 million per year.

The country has about 125 springs located in Capira and Cerro Azul that are used by domestic companies.

In Panama bottled water both at home and consumed imported.

http://laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/agua-embotellada-incumple-estandares-calidad/23881140

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