FDA announces proposed ruling on fluoride in bottled water
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today that it is proposing to revise the quality standard for bottled water to specify that bottled water to which fluoride is added by the manufacturer may not contain fluoride that exceeds 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L). If finalized, the proposed rule would amend the allowable levels of fluoride in domestically packaged and imported bottled water to which fluoride is added.
This proposal is based on findings from evolving research on optimal concentrations of fluoride that balances fluoride’s benefits in preventing tooth decay with its risk of causing dental fluorosis, a condition most often characterized by white patches on teeth. This proposed rule makes the standard for bottled water consistent with the U.S. Public Health Service’s (PHS) updated recommendation for the optimal fluoride concentration for community water systems to prevent tooth decay. In addition, this rule may reduce consumer confusion regarding inconsistency in fluoride level recommendations. The proposed rule would not affect the allowable levels for fluoride in bottled water to which fluoride is not added by the manufacturer (but which may contain fluoride from its source water).