Consumer Council apologizes for misunderstanding caused by misclassification of Nongfu Spring

In the latest "Choice" monthly magazine issue, the Hong Kong Consumer Council reported that bromate levels in samples from Ganten and Nongfu Spring reached the European Union limit (3 micrograms per liter) in an ozone disinfection byproduct test.

Nongfu Spring had previously sent a legal letter to the Hong Kong Consumer Council, prompting the council to conduct in-depth research and follow-up and meet with its representatives.

The council clarified the test samples and apologized for any misunderstanding caused by the discrepancy in sample classification today (July 18).

The Consumer Council indicated that when collecting data for the 30 bottled water samples tested at the end of last year, it noted that the samples came from various origins and types. Among them, 29 samples indicated their water type, such as "distilled water," "purified water," or "natural mineral water." However, the Nongfu Spring sample was labeled as "drinking natural water" (hereafter referred to as "the sample").

Considering that the four mineral contents listed on its label were similar to those of "natural mineral water," the council classified the sample as "natural mineral water" based on its product name and label information.

The Consumer Council explained that although products from different origins generally follow local quality standards, the council conducts comparative tests using internationally recognized standards to protect consumer rights.

The bromate content in the Nongfu Spring sample, classified as "natural mineral water," was tested using the EU's maximum limit for bromate in ozonated natural mineral water and spring water, which is 3 micrograms per liter.

After a meeting with Nongfu Spring representatives yesterday, the Consumer Council understood that the product is neither "natural mineral water" nor "purified water" but "drinking natural water." The company's standard is based on the "National Food Safety Standard for Packaged Drinking Water" (GB19298-2014) from Mainland China.

The council reclassified the sample as a separate "drinking natural water" category and reassessed its score. From a consumer perspective, if the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) value from the test results is used for comparison, the sample tastes lighter than typical "natural mineral water" and stronger than "purified water."

The EU's maximum limit for bromate in drinking water is 10 micrograms per liter, consistent with the "National Food Safety Standard for Packaged Drinking Water" (GB19298-2014). The detected amount in the sample (3 micrograms per liter) is within the "drinking water" standard range and is well below the maximum limit, making it safe to drink. After reassessment, the sample's overall performance rating was adjusted from 4.5 to 5 stars.

The Consumer Council reiterated that the chemical safety and microbiological test results for all 30 samples in this test were satisfactory, with no harmful substances exceeding relevant standard values.

In the magazine article, press releases, other communication documents, and statements at press conferences, the council clearly stated that all tested samples, including the Nongfu Spring sample, are safe to drink. The article's primary purpose is not to highlight safety issues but to inform consumers about the value for money of each sample and the environmental impact of plastic bottles used for bottled water.

It reminded consumers that plastic bottles are generally single-use and plastic can take hundreds of years to degrade. Consumers are encouraged to change their habits to reduce plastic waste at the source.