The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued its final rule for added fluoride levels in bottled water. The final rule, entitled Beverages: Bottled Water, amends the allowable level for fluoride in domestic and imported bottled water to 0.7 milligrams per liter. The rule is in line with the U.S. Public Health Service recommendations for fluoride levels in community water systems. The maximum level will prevent tooth decay while avoiding fluoride overexposure.
The final rule is only applicable to bottled water that contains fluoride added by the manufacturer and not to bottled water that solely contains naturally occurring fluoride. The rule also states that added fluoride must be declared on the ingredients list of bottled water so that consumers can make informed purchases. The final rule will become effective on June 19, 2022. Industry compliance will be required by October 17, 2022.
