FDA’s New Rule: Bottled Water Manufacturers Required to Monitor DEHP Levels

Oct. 31, 2011 - PRLog -- The Food and Drug Administration recently announced a new maximum allowable level—0.006 mg/l—for diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in bottled water. The chemical is commonly used to make plastics more flexible.

Source water will continue to be monitored according to current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) criteria, but the new rule mandates that finished bottled water products be tested at least once a year, starting April 2012.

This 0.006 mg/l limit has been observed by the International Bottled Water Association since 1995; consequently, the FDA declared that they do not expect to find higher levels with increased monitoring. The limit was formalized as a preventative measure, officials said.

The FDA also explained that the regulations were based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s limit for DEHP in public drinking water. According to the EPA, “Long-term, chronic exposure to DEHP above the MCL of 0.006 mg/l may have the potential to cause health effects in humans, including damage to liver and testes, reproductive effects, and cancer.”

“EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers its expertise in testing water samples for DEHP and other chemicals controlled by the FDA and EPA,” states Joseph Frasca, Senior VP of Marketing at EMSL. “Moreover, our experienced staff can help companies navigate this new regulatory environment.”

To learn more, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com, or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of quality environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading professional organizations, as well as state and federal regulatory agencies.

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EMSL Analytical Inc. is a nationally recognized accredited testing laboratory and locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, microbiology, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services to professionals and the general public.