FDA updates policy on fluoride in bottled water

New recommendations focus on concentrations of fluoride in the water.

The FDA is recommending that bottled water manufacturers do not add fluoride to bottled water at concentrations greater than a maximum final concentration of 0.7 mg/L, according to a new letter from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Previously, they recommended fluoride concentrations that ranged from 0.7-1.2 mg/L and was based on outdoor air temperature of geographic areas. The allowable level for added fluoride in bottled water in FDA’s bottled water regulations was based on the previous PHS recommendation.

"We intend to revise the quality standard for fluoride added to bottled water in 21 CFR 165.110(b)(4)(ii) to be consistent with the updated PHS recommendation," according to the letter.

Fluoride can occur naturally in source waters used for bottled water or may be added by a bottled water manufacturer.

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