FDA Proposes Updated Rules For Fluoride Added To Bottled Water

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to revise its rules on fluoride levels added to bottled water.

If finalized, the new regulations would change the allowable levels of fluoride added to bottled water to 0.7 milligrams per liter.

The proposed rule would not affect the allowable levels of fluoride in bottled water, to which the manufacturer does not add fluoride, but which may contain fluorine from its source water.

The FDA has stated that its proposal is based on research on optimal fluoride concentrations that balances its benefits in the prevention of tooth decay with its risk of causing dental fluorosis, a condition most often characterized by white plaques. on the teeth.

If pbaded, the rule will align with the recommended level of 0.7 milligrams per liter set by the US Public Health Service (PHS) for community waters in 2015. At that time, the FDA was also informing the industry bottled water that the PHS recommendations should: be considered for their products as well.

Susan Mayne, director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said, "Fluoride provides a significant benefit to public health by helping to reduce cavities and tooth decay. But too much fluoride over a long period when teeth form under the gums can alter the appearance of tooth enamel, called dental fluorosis. Finding the right balance is especially important for children under the age of eight because their permanent teeth are still in training.

"It is the responsibility of the FDA to ensure that, if fluoride is added to bottled water, it is added to the appropriate levels so that consumers benefit from its important health benefit while being protected from possible adverse effects. That's why today we're taking this step to reduce the amount of fluoride in bottled water if it's added by the manufacturers. "

She added, "Most of the fluoride added to bottled water is already at the proposed limit or below it. Today's action, if finalized, is a step forward in helping to ensure that bottled water achieves the right balance of fluoride by setting the requirements that manufacturers must meet when adding fluoride to the water. 'bottled water ".

The proposed rule provides 60 days for the public, industry and other stakeholders to share their comments with the FDA.