Introduction:The latest bottled water testing report from the Hong Kong Consumer Council has revealed that samples of Nongfu Spring and Baishan Water contained bromate levels reaching the EU limit for natural mineral water, prompting swift responses from the brands. Nongfu Spring has engaged lawyers to demand a clarification and apology from the Consumer Council, while Baishan Water emphasized that its product was at the threshold value. This article details the sources of bromate, associated health risks, and the latest developments in the incident, helping readers rationally assess the issue of bottled water safety.

The bottled water testing report published by the Hong Kong Consumer Council in its monthly magazine Choice has recently become a focal point of market attention. The report conducted multi-dimensional tests on 30 commonly available bottled water products in Hong Kong, and the bromate content results in the natural mineral water category have drawn controversy involving two major brands, Nongfu Spring and Baishan Water.

Specifically, samples from Nongfu Spring and Baishan Water were found to contain 3 micrograms of bromate per litre, a figure that exactly matches the maximum limit set by the EU for natural mineral water and spring water treated with ozone. This test result triggered a formal response process from the brands.

Nongfu Spring quickly took legal action by sending a lawyer’s letter through its Hong Kong-based legal counsel to the Consumer Council, demanding a public written clarification, an official apology, and full elimination of the negative impact caused by the report. The brand emphasized that although the test results did not exceed regulatory limits, they had caused considerable panic among consumers and had substantially damaged the company’s reputation and market trust.

Baishan Water also issued a public statement, indicating that it had been in communication and negotiation with the Hong Kong Consumer Council through its legal department. Sources close to the brand revealed that Baishan Water’s product was actually at the threshold of the EU standard and, strictly speaking, did not exceed it. The brand has now requested retesting to clarify the facts.

From a scientific perspective, the formation of bromate is closely related to the ozonation disinfection step in the bottled water production process. Naturally occurring bromides in the source water may be converted into bromate compounds under the influence of ozone. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization classifies bromate as a Group 2B carcinogen, meaning it has potential carcinogenic risks. Long-term high-dose intake may lead to symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, and in severe cases, it can even affect kidney and nervous system functions.

In response to public concerns, the Hong Kong Consumer Council reiterated that none of the 30 tested samples were found to contain harmful substances exceeding the relevant guideline values set by the World Health Organization (WHO), and that consumers can drink them with peace of mind. The core focus of the report is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of each sample and to explore the long-term environmental impact of plastic bottles used for bottled water, rather than focusing on product safety issues.

Currently, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong Consumer Council has confirmed to the media that they have received the letter sent by Nongfu Spring’s legal representative, and the contents are under detailed review and follow-up. The Council emphasized that whether in the magazine article, press release, official communication documents, or press conference statements, it has clearly conveyed the message that all samples meet international safety standards.

This bromate controversy has also drawn the attention of the China Beverage Industry Association, which stated that it will issue an official statement in due course to further explain the background of the incident and the industry’s position. For consumers, understanding the mechanisms of bromate formation and its limit standards can help make more informed choices when purchasing bottled water.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.