Au/NA - FSANZ considers approving voluntary addition of fluoride to bottled water

The Australian Beverages Council Ltd has applied for approval for the voluntary addition of fluoride, at a level of 0.6 – 1.0 milligrams per litre (total of naturally occurring and added fluoride), to packaged (bottled) water. This level equates to fluoride levels in fluoridated reticulated water supplies. The applicant claims approval would enable bottlers to offer fluoridated packaged water to consumers as an alternative to fluoridated reticulated water, or as a source of fluoride for those who do not have access to fluoridated reticulated water. FSANZ has concluded that there are no public health and safety concerns. We propose to approve the application, with the condition that the presence of added fluoride must be stated on the package label. We seek public comment on our proposed course of action.
Submissions:
FSANZ welcomes public comment from industry, public health professionals, government agencies and consumers. Details of the applications above can be found on www.foodstandards.gov.au.