Have mineral water manufacturers lost respect for their fragile glass house amid all the PET bottles?
Have mineral water manufacturers lost respect for their fragile glass house amid all the PET bottles?
During the first two "Corona years," the Association of German Mineral Springs (VDM) had succeeded in pushing drinking water suppliers out of the advertising spotlight for beverages nationwide with two court rulings.
Among other things, "the lawyers of the mineral water bottles" managed to prohibit water suppliers from making several significant statements about Germany's tap water, as they "suggested a false sense of security on the part of the consumer, that they could rely unconditionally on the quality of tap water". Since then, water utilities have been prohibited from continuing to describe their tap water as "healthy" or as the "most strictly controlled food."
Stones Flying in a Glass House
In the summer of 2019, the VDM faced criticism from Stiftung Warentest after the testers found too many germs and other contaminants in bottled waters. Curiously: in their "correction" of the allegations, the mineral water bottlers invoke their "right to germs": "Mineral water is a natural product and may, like other food for general consumption, also contain germs," states a press release from the VDM. – Whether this explanation satisfies mothers when preparing baby food with mineral water remains questionable. What is often not known: the statutory standards for the purity of West German tap water are actually higher than the regulations for mineral water.
The next broadside comes from the magazine ÖKO-TEST in their 2021 yearbook. Of all things, two of the best-known water brands are quite literally sent back into groundwater. 98 waters from all over Germany were tested by ÖKO-Test. 62 waters were recommended, but some contain questionable ingredients, including still waters that are marketed for infant formula.
The questionable ingredients that were detected are: pesticide degradation products, sweeteners, nitrate, vanadium, uranium, and boron. Overall, 32 waters received average ratings.
The biggest surprise of the test series: "Evian" and "Volvic" failed with a grade of 6 ("insufficient"). The internationally known still water "Evian" from Danone Waters exceeded the limit value for uranium. This chemical element can damage kidneys and lungs and accumulate in the human body.
Also "Volvic," likewise a product of Danone Waters, failed the test because it is contaminated with vanadium. Vanadium, an element found in volcanic rock, is suspected of being carcinogenic and harmful to germ cells. Nevertheless, there is no limit value for it in mineral water. "Öko-Test" therefore advises against drinking the water as a precaution. In addition to vanadium contamination, "Volvic" also contains high levels of nitrate. In both waters, the testers also criticized the long transport distances.
ÖKO-TEST calls on its readers to buy water from a mineral spring nearby and do something for the environment through the short transport route.
We recommend acquiring a professional filter system to do even better for yourself, your family, and the environment.
More on the topic of water at: 💧https://t.me/truuinfochannel