The Bottled Water Industry is a Model of Successful FDA Food Safety Regulation

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) supports the inclusion of a proposed $275 million increase for funding the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As part of Sen. Robert C. Byrd's (D-WV) FY 2008 Emergency Supplemental, consumers would benefit from an FDA funding increase to enhance food safety programs. Bottled water is a packaged food product regulated by FDA, which mandates standards for production, health, packaging, and labeling.

IBWA President and CEO Joe Doss said, “Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI) and Sen. Byrd have shown great foresight in increasing FDA funding to give the Agency the power it needs to help maintain the world’s safest and most reliable food supply. A vote ‘yes’ to increased FDA funding is a vote for the future of safe food in America.”

In a June 2007 industry presentation, FDA Assistant Commissioner for Food Protection David Acheson, M.D. said, "IBWA… demonstrated a successful model of partnership between FDA and a regulated food industry to address vulnerabilities. One of the lessons learned from these food defense efforts is the importance of active involvement by the industry's trade association."

For an overview of bottled water regulations and standards, environmental facts, and other bottled water information, visit the IBWA web site at www.bottledwater.org.

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters. Founded in 1958, IBWA's membership includes U.S. and international bottlers, distributors and suppliers. IBWA is committed to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, and state governments to set stringent standards for safe, high quality bottled water products. Additionally, IBWA requires member bottlers to adhere to the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice, which mandates additional standards and practices that in some cases are more stringent than federal and state regulations. A key feature of the IBWA Model Code is an annual unannounced plant inspection by an independent, third party organization. For more information about IBWA, bottled water and a list of member’s brands, please contact the IBWA Communications at 703-683-5213 or ibwainfo@bottledwater.org.