Tuesday, 12 April 2011 02:47
FDA Approves New Labeling Standards for Fluoridated Water
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved bottled water companies to claim the health benefits of drinking fluoridated water. Fluoridated water containing an amount of 0.6 milligrams to 1 milligram per liter of water may now make use of this health claim on its labeling. This FDA allowance will be sure to open new opportunities and marketing techniques for bottling companies as well as debate from fluoride critics.
The FDA said that an acceptable medical statement on bottled waters that qualified with appropriate fluoride levels would read: “Drinking fluoridated water may reduce the risk of dental cavities/tooth decay.” The FDA did make an exception and stated that these claims cannot be used on water products designed to be marketed to the parents of infants.
This new policy will be seen by some as controversial at a time when potential health risks linked to fluoride are seeing new scrutiny. However, the FDA stated that a review of government health reports on fluoride between the years of 1991 and 2001 clearly demonstrated that the claim of tooth decay prevention was valid.
