Latest news with #mineralwater
New York Times
a day ago
- New York Times
You've Heard of Fine Wine. Now Meet Fine Water.
I recently spent 90 minutes watching six very serious people taste 107 varieties of mineral water. Each container was hidden under a cloth bag, its contents dispensed by small pours into wine glasses. The judges swished and gazed thoughtfully into the middle distance. They dumped the excess into buckets at their feet and joked about needing a bathroom. They gave each water a score between 90 and 100, in a modified Robert Parker style. The comparison to paint drying might seem obvious. But like a Magic Eye poster, the nuances of fine water become clear if you spend enough time with it. Fine water — the preferred term of its growing cadre of enthusiasts — is as much like that plastic bottle of water in your car-cup holder as Château d'Yquem is to Gatorade. The taste is distinct to a place, rich with minerals it picked up as it traveled to the surface of the earth. The fine-water crowd shuns giants like Perrier and Acqua Panna, both owned by Nestlé. Fine water has a better story. Winners at the April tasting, part of the ninth annual Fine Waters taste and design awards in Atlanta, included melted snow that had been filtered through Peruvian volcanic rock, and deep-sea water that had been pumped up 80 miles off the coast of South Korea. There was water gathered from nets hung in a misty Tasmanian pine forest, and a Texas brand laced with lithium called Crazy Water. Like coffee and beer, natural water is enjoying a third wave, especially among the alcohol-shunning Generation Z, which has primed its palate on seltzers like LaCroix and is looking to level up. It's also gaining traction among the wellness crowd, which has grown increasingly skeptical of municipal tap water and purified water in plastic bottles. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Urgent nationwide recall for Topo Chico Mineral Water that could cause blood infections: 'Do not drink'
A popular brand of mineral water has been urgently recalled after bottles were found contaminated with a dangerous bacteria that could lead to blood infections. The Coca-Cola Company pulled select 18 packs of its Topo Chico Mineral Water from store shelves in five US states, warning customers not to drink the affected product under any circumstances. The recall was triggered on June 2 after routine testing detected traces of the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is particularly dangerous for individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly found in water and soil and is capable of surviving in harsh environments. In bottled water, contamination can occur if the seal is compromised or if sanitation fails during the production process. The affected product was sold at Costco locations in Texas and Louisiana between May 20 and May 29. Coca-Cola confirmed that the same batch was also distributed to stores in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. The recalled water comes in 16.9 oz (500 mL) glass bottles bundled in 18-packs, marked with lot code #13A2541 on the neck of the bottle. Costco notified members who purchased the product, stating that the health risk to the general public is 'very low.' However, individuals with weakened immune systems may experience minor to serious health effects if they consume the contaminated water. Coca-Cola said the contamination was discovered during a routine quality control check. No illnesses have been reported so far. Customers who bought the recalled product are urged to return it immediately for a full refund or toss them in the trash. 'The safety and quality of the products we offer our consumers is our top priority,' Coca-Cola said in a written statement. Health officials warn that the bacteria can enter the body through ingestion or open wounds, potentially causing urinary tract infections, lung infections, or sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection. Pseudomonas infections primarily affect people with weakened immune systems and pose a heightened threat to patients with chronic lung diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The strain's resistance to many common antibiotics makes infections harder to treat and slower to heal. In hospitals, it is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections. Mineral water is typically drawn from underground sources and can contain trace levels of natural microbes. However, it is supposed to undergo sterilization during bottling to ensure safety. The recall suggests there may have been a lapse in the production or packaging process that allowed the bacteria to survive. The CDC urges anyone who feels unwell after drinking the recalled water to contact a healthcare provider immediately, especially individuals with pre-existing health conditions or compromised immunity. Topo Chico, a brand with more than 100 years of history and a devoted following in the US, was acquired by Coca-Cola in 2017 as part of the company's push into the premium sparkling water market. This isn't the first time Topo Chico has faced scrutiny over safety concerns. In 2020, Consumer Reports revealed that Topo Chico contained the highest levels of PFAS also known as 'forever chemicals' among 47 bottled water brands tested. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment or the human body. They have been linked to cancer, liver damage, fertility issues, and hormonal disruption. The levels of PFAS found in Topo Chico exceeded the 5 parts per trillion (ppt) limit recommended by the International Bottled Water Association, and the 10 ppt combined limit for multiple PFAS compounds. Some scientists advocate for even stricter limits, suggesting that exposure should not exceed 1 ppt. Although the current recall involves bacterial contamination rather than chemical exposure, Topo Chico's past PFAS issues could raise additional concerns about the brand's overall quality control and commitment to long-term health safety. Consumers concerned about bottled water safety are advised to monitor recall alerts, consult third-party lab testing reports, and choose brands that disclose their purification methods and PFAS testing results. For more information or questions regarding the recall, consumers can contact Coca-Cola directly at 1-800-GET-COKE.
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE startup to launch groundbreaking public hydration initiative
Dubai – Staying hydrated just got easier, and greener, thanks to Ourwatr, a homegrown UAE startup that's launching a nationwide free mineral water programme starting June 2025. It's a first in the region: clean, refreshing mineral water made freely available across the country, delivered through a unique model that blends sustainability, community care, and social impact. From metro stations and shopping malls to parks and government offices, thousands of chilled bottles of mineral water, sourced locally from Dibba, Fujairah, will soon be within everyone's reach, every day. Ourwatr's mission is simple: hydration is a right, not a privilege. 'At Ourwatr, we believe that drinking water should be accessible to all,' says Abhinav Murali, Co-founder. 'That's why we're giving away premium mineral water for free, and every bottle supports communities in need. It's hydration with heart, proudly made right here in the UAE.' Stamp of UAE quality All Ourwatr bottles carry the prestigious EQM (Emirates Quality Mark) certification, guaranteeing they meet strict UAE national and international quality standards. When you grab a bottle, you're assured of top-quality water, safe, pure, refreshing and approved by the country's standardisation authority. Mission in a bottle With temperatures rising across the UAE, especially during summer, access to clean drinking water is more important than ever, for workers, families, children, and the elderly alike. 'In our desert climate, hydration isn't just healthy; it's life-saving,' adds co-founder Bharath Mohan. 'Each bottle we provide is a small act of kindness toward our community.' Ourwatr is more than just a startup, it's a mission in a bottle. Launched by three young, UAE-based entrepreneurs, the idea was sparked by a simple but powerful observation: access to free, convenient hydration isn't always a given. Wanting to change that, the trio built a business with heart at its core. The team is also in talks with various UAE charitable organisations and government agencies to expand its reach and impact. For every bottle distributed, a portion will be donated to local charities, turning everyday hydration into a meaningful act of giving. A Model Built on Purpose and Sustainability Ourwatr isn't just about water, it's about doing good. Instead of selling to consumers, the company partners with brands and organisations who cover the production and distribution costs. In return, sponsors co-brand the bottles, using them as a platform to share positive messages and shared values, while making a real difference. 'Sustainability isn't just about less waste, it's about creating lasting, meaningful change,' explains Sharat Nair, Co-founder. The bottles are crafted from recyclable materials, aligning with the UAE's zero-waste goals and green agenda. Backing UAE Vision 2030 Ourwatr's initiative supports the UAE's Vision 2030 goals around health, sustainability, and quality of life. The startup is already collaborating with local authorities to expand water access and reach as many people as possible. More than just water, Ourwatr is delivering hope, equality, and care, one bottle at a time.
E&E News
19-05-2025
- Business
- E&E News
Macron's office immersed in major Perrier mineral water scandal
PARIS — Call it the French Watergate. The iconic French mineral water brand Perrier is at the center of a fresh scandal that threatens to bubble over and hit the highest levels of government. Nestlé Waters lobbied France's government, including people close to French President Emmanuel Macron, to make possible the sale of branded mineral water that circumvented stringent French regulations, effectively misleading consumers, according to a damning Senate report released Monday. Advertisement At the heart of the accusations are Nestlé Waters's allegedly unauthorized use of carbon filters and ultraviolet light — methods normally used on tap water — to treat mineral water for several of its brands, including its flagship sparkling water Perrier. But France's stringent regulations aim to ensure that natural mineral water remains pure and unaltered, justifying the steep price tag paid by consumers.
Washington Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
An inquiry says France's government covered up Nestle's illegal treatment of bottled water
PARIS — The government of French President Emmanuel Macron covered up decisions over the illegal treatment of mineral water by food industry giant Nestle, including the world-famous Perrier brand, a Senate inquiry commission said Monday. Its report focused on Nestle's years of use of treatments to avoid bacterial or chemical contamination of water labeled as 'natural mineral water' or 'spring water' for brands also including Contrex, Vittel and Hépar. Such treatments are prohibited under French and European regulations.
