In recent weeks, alarming reports about the potential carcinogenicity of bromate in mineral water have sparked public concern. Some short messages circulated online, claiming that disinfection processes can introduce cancer-causing substances into drinking water, while current national standards remain unregulated. For many consumers, "bromate" is an unfamiliar term, yet it has now become a topic of real worry. However, with the upcoming release of the new National Standard for Drinking Natural Mineral Water, there's hope that this issue will soon be better addressed.
Since the start of summer, news of mineral water being linked to cancer has caused panic among consumers. But according to the latest updates, this may soon be a thing of the past. The revised draft of the National Standard for Drinking Natural Mineral Water is currently open for public comment, as announced by the AQSIQ on the 5th. One key change is the proposed limit for bromate at 0.01 mg/L, which aligns with international guidelines.
To ensure compliance, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) is conducting nationwide inspections, urging manufacturers to enhance their production processes and strictly control bromate levels in bottled water.
Bromate and Cancer:
Some time ago, reporters received multiple warnings about the possible link between bromate and cancer. According to previous reports, these messages highlighted that bromate, a byproduct of ozone disinfection, is often labeled as "carcinogenic." The lack of specific limits in earlier national standards was cited as a major concern.
According to industry reports, strict microbiological standards require high levels of ozone disinfection, leading to the formation of bromate as an unavoidable byproduct. Classified as a Group 2B carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), bromate is considered possibly carcinogenic to humans. However, experts from the AQSIQ note that under normal conditions, water does not contain bromate—only bromide. When ozone is used, bromide can react to form bromate.
Is this another case of unnecessary alarm? Experts suggest that while bromate may be potentially harmful, the risk to human health is still uncertain. The new standard aims to provide greater protection for consumers, but it also presents challenges for the industry.
Late Standard or Necessary Update?
Many consumers expressed relief upon hearing about the new standard, calling it a fast response from authorities. One friend even said, “It’s great that they finally set the rules.†However, some industry insiders view the standard as coming too late. They argue that bromate has been a known issue in the industry for over a decade, and the delay in regulation has raised concerns about transparency and accountability.
Historically, ozone was rarely used in China’s mineral water production. But in recent years, its widespread adoption has led to increased bromate levels. In 1993, the World Health Organization set a limit of 0.025 mg/L, which was later reduced to 0.01 mg/L in 2004. China’s current standard matches this level.
New Standards: A Win or a Challenge?
While the new standard is seen as a positive step for consumer safety, it poses challenges for producers. To meet the stricter limits, companies must invest more in water treatment technologies. This increase in cost could pressure smaller businesses and raise concerns about whether the final standard might be weakened during the consultation phase.
However, experts believe that with proper implementation and monitoring, the new standard can drive innovation in the industry. Some companies are already exploring advanced methods to reduce bromate levels, showing that solutions exist.
Ultimately, setting national standards involves balancing various interests. As food safety awareness grows, the pressure to prioritize consumer health is increasing. While the process may be complex, the goal remains clear: to ensure that what we drink is safe and transparent.
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