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The results of a targeted food surveillance project to assess the microbiological quality in bottled water were all satisfactory, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) announced today (October 16).
A CFS spokesman said a total of 60 samples had been collected from various outlets such as supermarkets, convenient stores, groceries, department stores and food factories for microbiological analysis.
The samples included bottled natural mineral water and bottled drinking water such as distilled water and artificial mineralised water from local and overseas production plants. Samples covered products of different bottle volumes including the large bottles of water for water dispensers. The examinations conducted included tests for E. Coli and total coliform bacteria.
Despite the satisfactory results, the spokesman advised members of the public to buy bottled water from reliable shops, avoid buying or drinking bottled water that is expired or with damaged packaging. "Bottled water should be consumed as soon as possible after it is opened," he said.
He also reminded the trade to ensure that the products were fit for consumption and to source bottled water from reliable production plants.
"Bottled water manufacturers should maintain good environmental hygiene in the production plants, transport vehicles and warehouses. They should also observe good hygienic practices along all processes of production, transport and storage," he added.
Ends/Friday, October 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:04
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