Kerala Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers Association claims that false campaigns have tarnished their image

Recently, there were reports the authorities had detected Coliform bacteria in the mineral water supplied by major manufacturers in Kerala.

KOCHI: The Kerala Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers Association (KPDA) has claimed people with vested interests are running a false campaign against packaged water by saying they are infected with the Coliform bacteria. KPDA functionaries told reporters the other day they had lodged complaints against those levelling the false allegations against packaged water manufacturers. “We have approached the Food Safety Assistant Commissioner,” said KPDA president Rajeev Menon. 

Recently, there were reports the authorities had detected Coliform bacteria in the mineral water supplied by major manufacturers in Kerala. However, Menon said false reports were being circulated against leading companies like Green Valley, Golden Valley, Blue Iris, Aqua Sair, Mount Mist, Bristol and Diplomat.

“The Food Safety Department did not detect any contamination or the presence of Coliform bacteria in the packaged water sold by the companies. The products are certified by the Food Safety Authority and BIS. False allegations are being propagated to topple down the industry,” Menon said.ISI is tasked with ensuring the quality of bottled potable water across the country. The companies engaged in manufacturing bottled water also have to follow guidelines laid by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). “The mineral water bottles hit the market after undergoing 10 stages of purification. The quality of the water is checked daily at the laboratory installed at each manufacturing units. Similarly, the samples are also checked by government authorities in a fixed time-period,” he said.

Jacob Abraham, chief patron, KPDA, urged the government to save the state’s bottled water industry by identifying and punishing companies which are operating and selling water devoid of the ISI mark. 

“As for the fake WhatsApp messages being spread against the sector, complaints have been filed before the DGP and the Cyber Cell,” said Abraham.

Meanwhile, former BIS director R C Mathew said the authorities would definitely make sure each bottle of potable water is subjected to proper purification which includes chlorination, sand filtration, purification, activated carbon filtration, de-chlorination, reverse osmosis, microfilter, ultraviolet rays and ozonisation, before it enters the market.”