FDA defines Maximum Level of DEHP for Bottled Water

Various studies have concluded through exposure assessment analyses that the primary pathway for public exposure to the chemical DEHP is food and drinks. Phthlalates are used in the manufacture of plastics and trace amounts can transfer from contact with a plastic container. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that the long-term and chronic exposure to DEHP above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 0.006 mg/L has the potential to cause damage to the liver and testes, produce reproductive effects and give rise to cancer in humans.

Contaminant (CAS Reg. No.): Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (117-81-7)
Maximum contaminant level (MCL) in milligrams per liter (ppm): 0.006

In response to these findings, the FDA (http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/default.htm) has amended its regulations for bottled water quality standards by establishing 0.006 mg/L as the maximum allowable concentration of DEHP. At least once a year from April 2012, bottled water manufacturers will be required to monitor their finished bottled water products for DEHP content under the current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) regulations for bottled water. Unless it is exempted, source water must also be monitored for DEHP as often as necessary under the new regulations, but at least once every year. The new rules will ensure the FDA’s minimum quality standards for bottled water, with regards to DEHP content, are equivalent to those set by the EPA for public drinking water. The rule will be effective throughout the USA from April 16, 2012.

About SGS Food Safety Services

SGS Food Safety Services (www.foodsafety.sgs.com) can test bottled water for DEHP at many of the laboratories in the worldwide SGS network, by carrying out analyses for a wide range of phthalates as well as determining trace levels of DEHP utilizing gas and liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy techniques.

Please don’t hesitate to contact SGS’ experts should you need more information.

The SGS Group is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With 67,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,250 offices and laboratories around the world.

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Jeremi Li
Operations Manager
61 Kai-Fa Road, Nanzih Export Processing Zone,
Kaohsiung, Taiwan 81170

t +8867 301 2121
E-Mail: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: www.foodsafety.sgs.com

This release was published on openPR.