BfR assesses analyses of substances with hormone-like activity in natural mineral waters

The presence of substances with hormone-like activity in natural mineral waters has been repeatedly studied over the past few years. In a research project of the chemical and veteri-nary inspection agency (CVUA) Stuttgart, the potential oestrogen-like activity of natural min-eral waters was analysed. Additionally, mineral waters were tested for substances that may exhibit oestrogen-like activity. It was also tested whether this activity is related to packaging in glass or plastic bottles. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has assessed the hormone-like activity as well as the toxic effects of substances found in natural mineral waters. Oestrogen-like activi-ties were not detected in these mineral waters, nor were concentrations of substances de-tected that could cause such activity. However, a number of substances were identified for which no data on hormone-like activity is available yet. BfR concludes that mineral water should not exhibit hormone-like activity. BfR advises sys-tematic step-by-step controls: Water obtained directly at the spring, water that has under-gone treatment by bottlers and water that is available in shops, bottled mineral water of dif-ferent storage periods should be analysed and compared. Additional research would be needed in order to assess a potential health risk.DE; de; efsa-focal-point@bfr.bund.d