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AU studies reveal E. Coli microbes' presence in packaged drinking water
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Saturday, 06 October, 2012, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Harcha Bhaskar, Mumbai
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fiogf49gjkf0d Microbial studies conducted by the Department of Food and Nutrition, Andhra University (AU), Visakhapatnam, have revealed the presence of E. Coli microbes in packaged drinking water, which makes it scientifically unsafe to consume.
According to AU, the microbes were at a level exceeding the quality control guidelines. E. Coli is generally found in sewage water or through animal waste. As per World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, the presence of E. Coli in 100 ml of water should be zero per cent.
AU researchers collected 25 water samples, of which 12 were branded bottled water samples and the remainder comprised sachets of reputed Visakhapatnam-based brands. These were then sent to the Regional Public Health Laboratory in the city for testing.
According to a researcher and faculty member of the department, who did not wish to be identified, the results of the tests revealed that the presence of E. Coli exceeded 10 per cent in most cases, and in a case or two, it was as high as 23 per cent.
“Only two reputed brands were found to be absolutely safe. The other samples confirmed the presence of dangerous bacteria that basically affects children under the age of five, the elderly, and people whose health is weakened,” she said.
A spokesperson for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) told FnB News, “The presence of microbial contaminants in packaged drinking water could be because people refill bottles after use.”
“We periodically check the quality of water in the packaging industries who take licences from the BIS. Water has to be tested in laboratories with sophisticated equipment under standard conditions. Otherwise, they will give uncertain results,” the official said.
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