The widespread practice of purchasing 20-litre jars of drinking water is compromising the health of citizens in Gujarat, according to health experts. A significant number of these bottles are unbranded and consumers are often left in the dark about the manufacturing company or the source of the water.
Manufacturers frequently assert that their products are filtered using reverse osmosis (RO) technology; however, these claims usually lack certification. The unchecked quality of such water poses potential risks to kidney health and increases the likelihood of waterborne diseases.
Many consumers turn to these water bottles during water shortages at home or for special occasions, further exacerbating the issue.
Guidelines from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) stipulate that bottled water must be sealed and should include vital information such as the product name, processor’s address, batch number, treatment method and best-before date. Unfortunately, these essential details are often missing from unbranded bottles. Concerns have also been raised regarding the proper cleaning of bottles before they are refilled and sold to new customers.
Dr. Mehul Shelat, former president of the Ahmedabad Medical Association (AMA), highlighted the dangers of consuming unbranded bottled water, stating, “The probability of a mineral balance in such unbranded water is negligible. Consuming this water can disrupt the body’s mineral balance. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drinking water should contain essential elements such as salt, calcium, sodium, and boron. However, it is doubtful whether these elements are present in unbranded bottled water. The consumption of such water can lead to waterborne diseases, vitamin B12 deficiency, kidney problems, liver side effects or even cancer.”
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