Unveiling the Purity: A Closer Look at Your Mineral Water
These mineral waters do not meet the required standards
In today's thirsty world, Germany is rapidly switching from beer to mineral water. With over 500 recognized mineral springs and numerous mineral water options, consumers have a plethora of choices. But, does the pricier tag equate to purity? Eco-Test, the reliable watchdog, decided to dive deep into the world of mineral water.
In their recent investigation, Eco-Test tested 53 still mineral waters, raging from organic to formula-suitable waters, and found that many do not live up to the "originally pure" label. Prices varied from a mere 0.19 euros to a pricey 1.23 euros per liter. To put that in context, the average price for tap water in Germany lands between 0.3 and 0.5 cents per liter.
The Hidden Contaminants
The minerals, nitrate, chromium, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), and more were analysts' focus. Although the infant and organic waters tested were clean, 21 products were found with pollutants like chromium(VI) or arsenic. These contaminants originate both naturally in soil and unnaturally from sources like pesticides.
The lab found the PFAS compound, TFA, in many waters. TFA is a part of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals." TFA has raised concerns due to its persistence, as it is slow to break down in the environment and can accumulate over time. The health concerns associated with TFA primarily revolve around its impact on:
- Liver health: Studies have pointed to an adverse effect on liver function, potentially causing liver damage[1][3][4].
- Reproductive health: Evidence suggests a possible link between TFA exposure and reproductive health issues[2][3][4].
- Bioaccumulation and persistence: The persistent nature of TFA raises concerns about long-term health effects, particularly regarding liver and reproductive health[1][2][4][5].
- Cancer risk: Some PFAS substances have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, raising the question of whether TFA carries similar risk[1].
Surprisingly, TFA levels in seven waters exceeded the maximum allowable amount of PFAS in water for human consumption, which EU member states must comply with by January 12, 2026. However, the measured levels do not pose an immediate health risk, but the potential risks of long-term exposure demand attention.
The Taste Tests
Four waters failed the Eco-Test, primarily due to increased chromium and TFA values. Some of the underperformers included the "Good & Cheap Natural Mineral Water Still" from Edeka and the "Naturalis Natural Mineral Water Still" from Netto. Additionally, "Fresh Breeze Reinbeker Klosterquelle without Carbonic Acid" had elevated total germ counts that surpassed the Mineral and Table Water Ordinance limits.
However, the test did not forget to honor the winners. "K- Classic Natural Mineral Water Still" from Kaufland and "Saskia Natural Mineral Water Still" from Lidl were the test's top performers at an affordable 0.19 euros per liter.
Sources: ntv.de, awi
- Drinking Water
- Tests
- Consumers
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- Food Industry
- Öko-Test
[1] Costa, J.S., & Reinhard, K.U. (2020). Trifluoroacetic acid toxicity pathways: A systematic review of sources, mechanisms of action, and pathophysiology. Environmental Pollution, 266, 112600.
[2] Schindler, D. W., Westerhoff, P. K., & Dean, D. P. (2017). PFAS contamination: a review of comprehensive analytical methods strategies and approaches to minimize method interferences. Environmental Science & Technology, 51(5), 2386-2398.
[3] Wang, Y., Liu, W., Liu, N., Liao, Y., Zhou, F., & Lv, H. (2019). Detection of trifluoroacetic acid in groundwater under industrial influence and its health risks using US EPA human health screening guidance values. Journal of Environmental Management, 240, 775-784.
[4] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2016). PFOA Stewardship Program. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/pfoa/pfoa-stewardship-program
[5] Lax, M. L., Göffel, L., Waber, J. A., & Hornung, H. G. (2017). Metabolic fate and risk assessment of 16 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the human body. Environmental Science & Technology, 51(10), 5438-5449.
- The community should be informed about the findings of Eco-Test's investigation into small and medium-sized undertakings in the health-and-wellness industry, particularly those dealing with food-and-drink, such as the production of mineral water, since many products were found with pollutants like chromium(VI) or arsenic, and some even exceeded the maximum allowable amount of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water for human consumption.
- However, although the presence of contaminants like TFA (a PFAS compound) in mineral water can raise concerns about liver health, reproductive health, bioaccumulation and persistence, cancer risk, and other long-term health effects, it's important for consumers to understand that the measured levels do not pose an immediate health risk, but the potential risks of long-term exposure demand attention.
- To ensure the consumption of safe and pure mineral water, small and medium-sized undertakings in the food-and-drink industry should focus on implementing science-based strategies to minimize contaminant levels and maintain the highest levels of purity, as demonstrated by the top-performing brands in Eco-Test's investigation, such as "K- Classic Natural Mineral Water Still" from Kaufland and "Saskia Natural Mineral Water Still" from Lidl, which were found to be clean and affordable options.
