Evaluation of the Chemical and Microbial Quality of Bottled Waters distributed in Yasouj, 2008

Introduction & Today's consumption of bottled water has increasingly developed in the society, thus awareness of the quality of the bottled waters is essential to maintain public health. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the chemical and microbial quality of Yasouj bottled water, 2008. The present descriptive and cross- sectional study was conducted in Yasouj city in 2008. Sixty four samples of 16 various brands of mineral water were evaluated for both chemical and microbial parameters. The collected data was analyzed using the SPSS software. Although the results showed that in all cases, the mean of measured parameters were at the standard level, however a significant number of bottled waters had different parameters reported on their manufacture’s labeling. The chemical and microbial contradiction was more especially seen in the labeling. The incorrect selection of the source of natural mineral water from sight of hydrological and geological properties, and also confusing natural mineral water with drinking water, which are completely different, may cause these problems. Consequently, application of codes and standard for hygienic practices is necessary for the packaging of natural mineral water.