FDA Sets Zero Tolerance for E. coli in Bottled Water
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration published its final rule in the Federal Register today establishing a zero tolerance for E. coli in bottled water.
The new federal code makes it illegal to sell bottled water containing E. coli.
The FDA's new rule requires bottlers to conduct tests at least once a week for total coliform in source water if it comes from any source other than a public water supply -- which already is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency to have zero E. coli.
If E. coli is found in source water, it will be prohibited from use in the production of bottled water until five consecutive tests prove that the adulterant has been eliminated.
The new rule to control fecal microbial pathogens is effective on December 1.
National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys has been calling for tougher regulations and for a vastly more potent government inspection program to keep all pathogens out of the U.S. food supply. Just as the FDA has now made it illegal for bottled water to be used or sold if it contains E. coli, the agency previously adopted the same zero tolerance for E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef.
The E. coli lawyers at Pritzker Olsen advocate for additional foods and additional types of E. coli to fall under zero tolerance rules. For more information, contact the firm at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or write to us online for a free case consultation if you or someone you know has been sickened by contaminated food.
