 DEAS 13: 2022  
ICS 13.060.20  
 
© EAC 2022                                                                                                                               Fourth  Edition 
2022  
 DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  
Packaged mineral water  — Specification  
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY  DEAS 13: 2022  
ii © EAC  2022  – All rights reserved  
 Copyright notice  
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Tanzania  
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Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement.  
Violators may be prosecuted . DEAS 13: 2022  
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  ivvi 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  1 
2 Conformance  ................................ ................................ ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 1 
3 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  12 
4 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  3 
5 Symbols (and abbreviated terms)  ................................ .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3 
6 Clause  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  54 
6.1 Subclause (level  1) ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  54 
6.1.1 Subclause (level  2) ................................ ................................ .................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 4 
6.1.2 Subclause (level  2) ................................ ................................ .................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 5 
6.2 Subclause (level  1) ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  65 
7 Clause  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  65 
8 Special  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....Error! Bookmark not defined. 10 
Annex  A (normative)  Annex title  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  1211 
A.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  1211 
A.2 Clause  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  1211 
A.2.1  Subclause (level  1) ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  1211 
A.2.2  Subclause (level  1) ................................ ................................ ................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 12 
A.3 Clause  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....Error! Bookmark not defined. 12 
Annex  B (informative)  Which styles correspond to which element  — Quick reference guide  ...........  2313 
Bibliography  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  2716 
 
 DEAS 13: 2022  
iv © EAC  2022  – All rights reserved  
 Foreword  
Development of the East African Standards has been necessitated by the need for harmonizing requirements 
governing quality of products and services in  the East African Community. It is envisaged that through 
harmonized standardization, trade barriers that are encountered when goods and services are exchanged 
within the Community will be removed.  
The Community has established an East African Standards C ommittee  (EASC)  mandated to develop and 
issue East African Standards  (EAS) . The Committee is composed of representatives of the National 
Standards Bodies in Partner States, together with the representatives from the public and private sector 
organizations  in the community .  
East African Standards are developed through  Technical Committees that are representative of key 
stakeholders including government, academia, consumer groups, private sector and other interested parties. 
Draft East African Standards are circulated to stakeholders through the National Standards Bodies in the 
Partner States. The comments received are discussed and incorporated before finalization of standards, in 
accordance with the Principles and procedures for development of East African Standards.  
East African Standards are subject to review, to keep pace with technological advances. Users of the East 
African Standards are therefore expected to ensure that they always have the latest versions of the standards 
they are implementing .  
The committee responsible  for this document is Technical Committee EASC /TC 081, Drinking water . 
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be subject of patent 
rights. EAC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.  
This fourth  edition cancels and replaces the third edition ( EAS 13:2018 ), which has been technically rev ised.  
 DEAS 13: 2022  
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  v 
 EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  DEAS 13:2022  
 
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  1 
 Packaged mineral water  — Specification  
1 Scope   
This Draft East African S tandard specifies requirements , samplin g and test methods  for packaged  mineral 
water for human consumption  
 
This Standard applies to natural mineral water, mineral water, natural spring water, spring water and 
carbonated  mineral water . 
2 Normative references   
The following documents are referre d to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes 
requirements of this document.  For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, 
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendment s) applies.  
ASTM D 3871 -84, Standard test methods for purgeable organic compounds in water using headspace 
sampling  
ASTM D 5907 -13, Standard test methods for filterable matter (total dissolved solids) and non -filterable matter 
(total suspended solids) in w ater 
EAS 38, Labelling of prepackaged foods — Specification  
ISO 6888 -1, Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs — Horizontal method for the enumeration of 
coagulase -positive staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus and other species) — Part 1: Technique  using 
Baird -Parker agar medium  
ISO 10304 -1, Water quality — Determination of dissolved anions by liquid chromatography of ions  — 
Determination of bromide, chloride, fluoride, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate and sulphate   
ISO 10359, Water quality — Determinati on of fluoride  
ISO 10523, Water quality — Determination of pH  
ISO 10530, Water quality — Determination of dissolved sulfide — Photometric method using methylene blue  
ISO 10566, Water quality — Determination of aluminium — Spectrometric method using pyroca techol violet  
ISO 11423, Water quality — Determination of benzene and some derivatives  
ISO 11732, Water quality -- Determination of ammonium nitrogen — Method by flow analysis (CFA and FIA) 
and spectrometric detection  
ISO 11885, Water quality — Determinati on of selected elements by inductively coupled plasma optical 
emission spectrometry (ICP -OES)  
ISO 11969, Water quality — Determination of arsenic — Atomic absorption spectrometric method (hydride 
technique)   
2 © EAC  2022  – All rights reserved  
 ISO 12020, Water quality — Determination of alumi nium — Atomic absorption spectrometric method  
ISO 12846, Water quality — Determination of mercury — Method using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) 
with and without enrichment  
ISO 15089, Water quality — Guidelines for selective immunoassays for the deter mination of plant treatment 
and pesticide agents  
ISO 16265, Water quality — Determination of the methylene blue active substances (MBAS) index — Method 
using continuous flow analysis (CFA)  
ISO 16266, Water quality -- Detection and enumeration of Pseudomona s aeruginosa ━ Method by 
membrane filtration  
ISO 21567, Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs — Horizontal method for the detection of Shigella 
spp 
ISO 24153, Random sampling and randomization procedures  
ISO 28540 , Water  quality — Determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in water -- Method 
using gas chromatography  with mass spectrometric detection (GC -MS) 
ISO 28540, Water quality — Determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in water — Method 
using gas chromatography with mass sp ectrometric detection (GC -MS) 
ISO 5961, Water quality — Determination of cadmium by atomic absorption spectrometry  
ISO 6059, Water quality -- Determination of the sum of calcium and magnesium -— EDTA titrimetric method  
ISO 6222, Water quality ― Enumeration of culturable microorganisms ━ Colony count by inoculation in 
nutrient agar culture media  
ISO 6332,  Water quality — Determination of iron — Spectrometric method using 1,10 -phenanthroline  
 
ISO 6333, Water quality -- Determination of manganese — Formaldoxime spectrometric method  
ISO 6461 -1, Water quality ― Detection and enumeration of the spores of sulphite reducing anaerobes 
(clostridia) — Part 1: Method by enrichment in a liquid medium  
ISO 6461 -2, Water quality ― Detection ad enumeration of th e spores of sulphite -reducing anaerobes 
(clostridia) — Part 2: Method by membrane filtration  
ISO 6703, Water quality — Determination of cyanide  
ISO 6777, Water quality -- Determination of nitrite — Molecular absorption spectrometric method  
ISO 6 340, Water  quality ━ Detection and enumeration of Salmonella  
ISO 7027, Water quality — Determination of turbidity  
ISO 7393, Water quality — Determination of free chlorine and total chlorine  
ISO 7875, Water quality — Determination of surfactants  
ISO 7887, Water quality — Determination of colour  
ISO 7888, Water quality — Determination of electrical conductivity   
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  3 
 ISO 7890, Water quality -- Determination of nitrate — Part 3: Spectrometric method using sulfosalicylic acid  
ISO 7899 -2, Water quality ― Detection and enumeration of i ntestinal enterococci — Part 2: Membrane 
filtration method  
ISO 7980, Water quality — Determination of calcium and magnesium — Atomic absorption spectrometric 
method  
ISO 8165, Water quality -- Determination of selected monovalent phenols  
ISO 8245, Water qu ality -- Guidelines for the determination of total organic carbon (TOC) and dissolved 
organic carbon (DOC)  
ISO 8288, Water quality — Determination of cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium and lead — Flame atomic 
absorption spectrometric methods  
ISO 9174, Water quality -- Determination of chromium -- Atomic absorption spectrometric methods  
ISO 9297, Water quality -- Determination of chloride — Silver nitrate titration with chromate indicator (Mohr’s 
method)  
ISO 9308 -1, Water quality — Detection and enumerati on of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria — Part 1: 
Membrane filtration method for waters with low bacterial background flora  
ISO 9308 -2, Water quality — Detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria — Part 2: 
Most probable number method  
ISO 9696, Water quality — Measurement of gross alpha activity in non -saline water — Thick source method  
ISO 9697, Water quality — Measurement of gross beta activity in non -saline water — Thick source method  
ISO 9964  (all parts) , Water quality — Dete rmination of sodium and potassium  
ISO 9965, Water quality — Determination of selenium — Atomic absorption spectrometric method (hydride 
technique ) 
ISO 10301, Water quality — Determination of highly volatile halogenated hydrocarbons — Gas 
chromatographic m ethods  
ISO 11731,  Water quality – Enumeration of Legionella  
ISO 15553  Water quality — Isolation and identification of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts from 
water  
ISO 18073, Water quality — Determination of tetra - to octa -chlorinated dioxins and fu rans — Method using 
isotope dilution HRGC/HRMS  
3 Terms and definitions   
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.  
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:  
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp   
4 © EAC  2022  – All rights reserved  
 3.1 
natural mineral water  
water clearly distinguishable from  ordinary drinking water because:  
a) it is characterized by its content of certain mineral sa lts and their relative proportions and the presence of 
trace elements or of other constituents;  
b) it is obtained directly from natural or drilled sources from underground water bearing strata for which all 
possible precautions should be taken within the protected perimeters to avoid any pollution of, or external 
influence on, the chemical and physical qualities of natural mineral water;  
c) of the constancy of its composition and the stability of its discharge and its temperature, due account 
being taken of the cycles of minor natural fluctuations;  
d)  it is collected under conditions which guarantee the original microbiological purity and chemical 
composition of essential components;  
e) it is packaged close  to the point of emergence of the source with p articular hygienic precautions;  
f) it is not subjected to any treatment other than those permitted by this standard . 
3.2 
mineral water  
water as defined in 3.1 that may include permitted treatment such as ozonation, UV sterilization, decantation 
filtration  and permitted selective removal of fluoride  
3.3 
spring water  
water derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the  earth  
through a natural orifice   
3.4 
packaged natural mineral water  
water from a natural source  that has been filled and, sealed into containers at the source or close to the 
source, and intended for human consumption  
3.5 
mineral waters  
Refers to natural mineral water, mineral water, spring water, natural carbonated mineral water, artificial 
carbona ted mineral water,  
3.6 
naturally carbonated natural mineral water /naturally carbonated mineral water   
natural mineral water which, after possible treatment in accordance with Section 5.1  and re -incorporation of 
gas from the same source and after packaging  taking into consideration usual technical tolerance, has the 
same content of carbon dioxide spontaneously and visibly given off under normal conditions of temperature 
and pressure.  
3.7 
non-carbonated natural mineral water /non -carbonated mineral water  
natural mineral water which, by nature and after possible  treatment in accordance with 5.1 and after 
packaging taking into consideration usual technical tolerance, does not contain free carbon dioxide in excess 
of the amount necessary to keep the hydrogen ca rbonate salts present in the water dissolved.  
3.8 
decarbonated natural mineral water /decarbonated mineral water  
natural mineral water which, after possible treatment in accordance with 5.1  and after packaging, has less 
carbon dioxide content than that at emergence and does not visibly and spontaneously give off carbon dioxide 
under normal conditions of temperature and pressure.   
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  5 
 3.9 
natural mineral water fortified with carbon dioxide from the source /mineral water  fortified with carbon 
dioxide from the sou rce 
natural mineral water which, after possible treatment in accordance with 5.1  and after packaging, has more 
carbon dioxide content than that at emergence.  
3.10 
carbonated natural mineral water /carbonated mineral water  
natural mineral water which, afte r possible treatment in accordance with 5.1  and after packaging, has been 
made effervescent by the addition of carbon dioxide from another origin.  
3.11 
contamination  
occurrence of any objectionable matter in the product  
3.12 
establishment  
any building(s) or areas in which natural mineral water is handled and collected, together with the  
surroundings under the control of  the same management  
3.13 
handling of natural mineral water  
any manipulation with regard to collecting, treating, bottling, packaging, sto ring, transporting, distributing and  
selling natural mineral water  
3.14 
food hygiene  
all measures necessary to ensure the safety, soundness and wholesomeness of natural mineral water at all  
stages from its exploitation and process ing until its final consu mption  
3.15 
packaging material  
any containers such as cans, bottles, cartons, boxes, cases or wrapping and covering material such as foil,  
film, metal paper and wax paper.  
3.16 
pests  
any animals capable of, directly or indirectly, cont aminating natural mi neral waters  
3.17 
aquifers  
any solid permeable mass of rocks (layer) c ontaining natural mineral water  
3.18 
contaminant  
any substance not intentionally added to mineral waters, which is present in such mineral waters as a result of 
the production, processi ng, preparation, treatment, packing, packaging, transport or holding of such mineral 
waters, or as a result of environmental contamination.  
4 Treatment and handling  
4.1 General  
4.1.1  Treatments permitted include separation from unstable constituents, such  as compounds containing 
iron, manganese, sulphur or arsenic, by decantation, filtration  and permitted  selective removal of fluoride, if 
necessary, accelerated by previous aeration.   
6 © EAC  2022  – All rights reserved  
 4.1.2  The treatments provided for in 3.6, 3.7,3.8, 3.9, 3.10 and 4.1.1  may only be carried out on condition 
that the mineral content of the water is not modified in its essential constituents, which give the water its 
properties.  
4.1.3  Transportation of natural mineral waters in bulk containers for packaging or for any other p rocess 
before packaging is prohibited.  
4.2 Permitted treatment  
Permitted treatment of mineral water include ozonation, UV sterilization, decantation , filtration and permitted 
selective removal of fluoride. These treatments may only be carried out on condit ion that the mineral content 
of the water is not modified in its essential constituents, which give the water its properties.  If ozonation 
treatment is applied, it shall be declared on the label.  
5 Requirements  
5.1 General requirements  
5.1.1  Physical requi rements  
Packaged mineral water s shall not : 
a) have objectionable taste or odour to the consumers and shall be free from any foreign matter; and  
b) having any sediment or suspended matter during its shelf life.  
5.1.2  Authorization  
5.1.2.1  The source of mineral wa ters shall be authorized by relevant national authority from which the 
mineral emerge.  
5.1.2.2  The distance from the source to the establishment shall be determined by the relevant National 
authority.  
5.1.2.3  The water safety plan shall be established and implemented in accordance with Annex C.  
5.2 Specific requirements  
Packaged mineral water s shall comply with the physico -chemical  requirements as given  in Table 1  when 
tested in accordance with the method prescribed therein . 
Table 1 – Physico -chemical requi rements for packaged mineral water  
Sl. No.  Substance  Limit  Test methods  
i.  Colour,  TCU, max. 15  ISO 7887  
ii.  Turbidity, NTU, m ax. 1 ISO 7027  
iii.  pHa b 5.5 - 8.5 ISO 10523  
iv.  Aluminium as Al3+, mg/l,  max.  0.2 ISO 10566  
v.  Calcium as Ca2+, mg/l,  max.  250 ISO 5961  
vi.  Chloride as Cl-, mg/l,  max.  250 ISO 9297  
vii.  Fluoride as F-, mg/l,  max. 4(c,d) ISO 10359  
viii.  Iron as Fe2+, mg/l,  max. 0.3 ISO 6332   
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  7 
 ix.  Magnesium as Mg2+, mg/l,   max.  100 ISO 7980  
x.  Nitrate as NO 3- , mg/l,  max.  50 ISO 7890  
xi.  Potassium as K+, mg/l,  max.  50 ISO 9 964 
xii.  Sodium as Na+, mg/l,  max. 200 ISO 9964  
xiii.  Sulphate as SO 42- , mg/l,  max. 400e ISO 10304  
xiv.  Sulphide as H 2S, mg/l,   max. 0.05 ISO 10530  
xv.  Total dissolved solids , mg/l,  max.   1000  ASTM D 5907 -13 
xvi.  Total Suspended solids  Not detactable  ASTM D 5907 -13 
a For artificial carbonated mineral water, the pH range shall be 4 - 5.9  
b For natural carbonated mineral water, the pH range shall be 5.5  – 6.5. 
c Packaged mineral water s containing between 1.5 mg/l and 4 mg/l fluoride shall have a label ling declaration mineral 
water s contains Fluoride included . 
d If the product contains more than 1.5 mg/l ‘’the product is not suitable for infants and children under the age of seven 
years’’ shall be declared on the label.  
e Packaged mineral water s containing between 200 mg/l and 400 mg/l sulphate shall  have a labelling declaration mineral 
water s contains Sulphate' included.  
 
6 Contaminants  
6.1 Inorganic contaminants  
Packaged mineral water s shall not contain inorganic  contaminants  in excess of limits indicated given in Table  
2 when tested in accordance with the methods prescribed therein . 
Table 2 – Limits for inorganic contaminants in packaged mineral water  
SL. No.  Substance  Limit, mg/L, 
max.  Methods of test  
(i) Ammonia (NH 3), 0.5  ISO 11732  
(ii) Arsenic (As), 0.01  ISO 119 69 
(iii) Barium (Ba), 0.7  ISO 11885  
(iv) Borate (B), 5  ISO11885  
(v) Cadmium (Cd), 0.003   ISO 5961  
(vi) Total c hromium (Cr), 0.005  ISO 9174  
(vii) Copper (Cu), 1  ISO 8288  
(viii) Cyanide (CN-), 0.07  ISO6703  
(ix) Free Chlorine (Cl2), Nil ISO 7393  
(x) Iodine as (I-), 1.0  ASTM D 3869 -15 
(xi) Lead (Pb), 0.01  ISO 8288  
(xii) Manganese (Mn), 0.4  ISO 6333  
(xiii) Mercury (Hg), 0.001 ISO 12846  
(xiv) Nitrite (NO 2-), 0.1  ISO 6777  
(xv) Selenium (Se), 0.01  ISO 9965   
8 © EAC  2022  – All rights reserved  
 (xvi) Silver (Ag), 0.5  ASTM D 386 6-12 
(xvii) Zinc (Zn), 5  ISO 8288  
(xviii)  Antimony (Sb), 0.005  ISO 11885  
(xix) Nickel (Ni),  0.02  ISO 8288  
(xx) Bromate (BrO 3-) a) 0.01  ISO 15061  
(xxi) Uranium  0.03 ASTM D 6239 -9 
a)  In case of ozonation, bromate shall be tested and confirmed to be within the limits.  
 
6.2 Organic contaminants  
Packaged mineral water s shall comply with the requirements for organic contaminants given in Table 3 when 
tested in accordance with the methods prescribed therein . 
Table 3 – Requirements for limits of organi c contaminants in packaged mineral water  
Sl. No  Substance  Limit  Methods of test  
(i) Benzene, mg/l , max.  0.005  ISO 11423  
(ii) Chlorinated hydrocarbons, mg/l , max.  0.005  ISO 10301  
(iii) Dioxin  Absent  ISO 18073  
(v) Organic matter  (as O 2), mg/l, max.  3  ISO 8245  
(vi) Pesticides and PCBs  Absent  ISO 15089  
(vii) Phenols  Absent  ISO 8165  
(viii) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons , µg/l, max.  0.2 ISO 28540  
(ix) Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons  Absent  ISO 28540  
(x) Surfactants (reacting with methylene blue), mg/l, 
max.  0.2 ISO 16265  
(xi) Total trihalomethanes, mg/l , max.  0.1 ASTM D 3871 -84 
(xii) Anionic surfactant (reacting with methylene blue)  Absent  ISO 7875  
 
6.3 Radioactive characteristics  
Packaged mineral water s shall comply with the requirements of rad ioactive mat erials given in Table 4 when 
tested in accordance with the test methods specified therein.  
Table 4 – Requirements of radioactive matter in packaged mineral water s 
Sl. No.  Radioactive 
material  Maximum 
limits , Bq/L  Method of test  
i) Gross alpha  activity  0.5 ISO 9696  
ii) Gross beta activity  1 ISO 9697  
  
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  9 
 6.4 Microbiological contaminants  
Packaged mineral water s shall comply with the microbiological limits given in Table 5  when tested in 
accordance with the test methods specified therein . 
Table 5 – Microbiological requirements for packaged mineral water  
Sl. No.  Type of micro -organism  Limits  Method of test  
i) Total viable counts at 22 ºC 
in mL, max. a) 100 
ISO 6222  
Total viable counts at 37 ºC, 
in mL, max. a) 50 
ii) Total Coliforms , CFU/100 ml  Not detectable  ISO 9308 -1 
ISO 9308 -2 
iii) E. Coli ,  CFU/100 ml  Not detectable  ISO 9308 -1 
ISO 9308 -2 
iv) Staphylococcus aureus , 
CFU/100 ml  Not detectable  ISO 6888 -1 
v) Sulphite reducing 
anaerobes , CFU/100 ml  Not detectable  ISO 6461 -2 
vi) Pseudomonas ae ruginos a 
fluorescence , CFU/100 ml  Not detectable  ISO 16266  
vii) Entero coccus faecalis , 
CFU/100 ml  Not detectable  ISO 7899 -2 
viii) Shigella , CFU/100 ml  Not detectable  ISO 21567  
ix) Salmonella , CFU/100 ml  Not detectable  ISO 19250  
x) Cryptosporidium , CFU/ 100 
ml  Not detectable  
ISO 15553  
xi) Giardia , CFU/100 ml  Not detectable  
xii) Legionella spp., CFU/100 ml  Not detectable  ISO 11731  
a) This parameter is for monitoring the system at source /processing facility . Determination 
of total viable counts shall s tart within 6 h of collection. If this is not practical, the sample 
shall be preserved at 4 ºC for not more than 6 h and analysed within 12 h from the time 
of collection.  
 
7 Hygiene  
7.1 Packaged mineral waters shall be collected, processes, packaged and m arketed under hygienic 
conditions in Annex A.  
7.2 The source of packaged mineral waters shall be protected from risks of pollution.  
8 Packaging  
8.1 The packaged mineral water shall be pack aged in s ealed  retail containers suitable for preventing the 
possibl e adulteration or contamination of water and shall be in accordance with environmental regulations of 
Partner States . 
8.2 The package shall be made from food grade material and strong enough to withstand normal handling 
and transportation   
10 © EAC  2022  – All rights reserved  
 8.3 Packaged mineral water should not be packaged in opaque containers . 
9 Weights and measures  
The volume and fill of the product shall comply with the weights and measures regulations of Partner States or 
equivalent legislation.  
10 Labelling  
10.1 General  
In addition to the requirements of EAS 38, the following specific labelling requirements shall apply and shall be 
legibly and indelibly marked . 
a) name of the product as provided in clause 3;  
b) composition of the product with at least the following:  Na+, K+ Ca++, Mg++, Fe++, Cl-, SO 42-, F-, NO 3; 
c) pH and TDS ; and 
d) net content in metric units.  
10.2 Additional lebelling requirements  
If packaged natural mineral water has been sub jected  to a ozonation treatment, the treatment shall be 
declared on the label.  
10.3 Labelling prohibition s 
10.3.1  No claims concerning medicinal (preventive, alleviative or curative) or other beneficial effects relating 
to the health of the consumer shall be made in respect of the properties of the product covered by the 
standard.  
10.3.2 The name of the local ity, hamlet or specified place may not form part of the trade name unless it 
refers to a mineral water s collected at the place designated by that trade name.  
10.3.3 The use of any statement or of any pictorial device, which may create confusion in the mind  of the 
public or in any way mislead the public about the nature, origin, composition and properties of mineral water s 
put on sale, is prohibited.  
11 Parameters required for minimum monitoring  
11.1  It is is recognized that, in many instances, the cost of performing a full analysis against Table 1, 
Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, and Table 5, can be  prohibitive.  
11.2  Analysis of the parameters in Table 6 may be deemed acceptable for the purpose of indicating on 
going levels of operational efficiency in a water treatment plant. However, a relevant authority may require 
additional tests.  
Table 6 – Parameters required for minimum monitoring  
Sl. No.  Property  Test method   
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  11 
 a)  Taste   Organoleptic test  
b)  Odour  
c)  Turbidity;   
 
 
Table 1  
 d)  Colour  
e)  pH value  
f)  Fluoride as  F- 
g)  Nitrate  
h)  Aluminium  
i)  Iron(total)  
j)  Total dissolved 
solids/Conductivity  Table 1/ISO 7888  
k)  Nitrite  Table 2  
l)  Ammonia  
m)  Residual chlorine  
n)  Faecal coliform bacteria 
or E. coli  Table 5  
o)  Total viable count  
 
11.3  If abnormal results are encount ered in any of these analyses, sampling frequency shall be increased 
and/or additional analyses carried out.  
11.4  A consumer complaints register for the aesthetic qualities of the water sh all be maintained.  
12 Sampling plan for packaged mineral water  
Samp ling plan shall be done in accordance with Annex B.  
  
12 © EAC  2022  – All rights reserved  
 Annex  A 
(normative)  
 
Recommended hygienic practices  
A.1 Field of application  
This annex  prescribes appropriate general techniques for collecting mineral water s, its treatment, bottling, 
packaging, storag e, transport, distribution and sale for direct consumption, so as to guarantee a safe, healthy 
and wholesome product.  
A.2 Prescriptions of the resources of mineral water  
A.2.1  Protection of alimentary reservoirs and aquifers  
A.2.1.1  Authorization  
Mineral w ater shall be recognized and approved as such by the relevant Authority having jurisdiction in the 
place of collection.  
A.2.1.2 Determination of the genesis of mineral water s 
As far as it is methodologically possible in each case, a precise analysis should  be carried out on the origin of 
mineral waters, the period of their residence in the ground before being collected and their chemical and 
physical qualities.  
A.2.1.3 Perimeter of protection  
If possible areas wherein mineral water s might be polluted or its  chemical and physical qualities otherwise 
deteriorated should be determined by a relevant authority. Where indicated by hydrogeological conditions and 
considering the risks of pollution and physical, chemical and biochemical reactions, several perimeters with 
separate dimensions may be provided.  
A.2.1.4 Protective measures  
All possible precautions should be taken within the protected perimeters to avoid any pollution, of or external 
influence on, the chemical and physical qualities of mineral water s 
It is recommended that regulations be established for the disposal of liquid, solid or gaseous waste, the use of 
substances that might deteriorate mineral water s (e.g. by agriculture) as well as for any possibility of 
accidental deterioration of mineral water s by natural occurrences such as a change in t he hydrogeological 
conditions. Particular consideration should be given to the following potential pollutants: bacteria, viruses, 
fertilizers, hydrocarbons, detergents, pesticides, phenolic compounds, toxic metals , radioactive substances 
and other soluble organic or inorganic substances. Even where nature provides apparently sufficient 
protection against surface pollution, potential hazards should be taken into consideration, such as mining, 
hydraulic and engineeri ng facilities etc.   
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  13 
 A.2.2 Hygiene prescriptions for collection of mineral water s 
A.2.2.1 Extraction  
The withdrawal of mineral water s (from springs, galleries, genuine or drilled wells) shall be performed in 
conformity with the hydrogeological conditions in such a manner as to prevent any other than the mineral 
water s from entering or, should there be pumping facilities, prevent any extraneous water from entering by 
reducing the supply. The mineral water s thus collected or pumped should be protected in such a  way that it 
will be safe from pollution whether caused by natural occurrence or actions or neglect or ill will.  
A.2.2.2 Materials  
The pipes, pumps or other possible devices coming into contact with mineral water s and used for its collection 
should be made  of such material as to guarantee that are original qualities of mineral water s will not be 
changed.  
A.2.2.3 Protection of the extraction area  
In the immediate surroundings of springs and wells, precautionary measures should be taken to guarantee 
that no p ollutant whatsoever could enter the extraction area. The extraction area should be inaccessible to 
non-authorized people by providing adequate devices (e.g. enclosure).  Any use not aiming at the collection of 
mineral water s should be forbidden in this are a. 
A.2.2.4 The exploitation of natural mineral water  
The condition of the extraction facilities, areas of extraction and perimeter protection as well as the quality of 
the mineral water s should periodically be checked. To control the stability of the chemi cal and physical 
particulars of the mineral water s derived, besides the natural variations, automatic measurements of the 
typical characteristics of water should be carried out and notified (e.g. electrical conductance, temperature, 
and content of carbon d ioxide) or frequent partial analysis should be done.  
A.2.3 Maintenance of extraction facilities  
A.2.3.1 Technical aspects  
Methods and procedures for maintaining the extraction facilities should be hygienic and not be a potential 
hazard to human health or a  source of contamination to mineral water s. From the hygiene standpoint, 
servicing of the extraction installations should meet the same standards as those required for the bottling or 
treatment.  
A.2.3.2 Equipment and reservoirs  
Equipment and reservoirs use d for extraction of mineral water s should be constructed and maintained in order 
to minimize all hazards to human health and to avoid contamination.  
A.2.3.3 Storage at the point of extraction  
The quantity of mineral water s stored at the point of extraction  should be as low as possible. The storing 
should furthermore guarantee protection against contamination or deterioration . 
A.2.4 Transport of mineral water s within an establishment  and from the source  
Packaging at the source is  preferred .   
14 © EAC  2022  – All rights reserved  
 A.2.4.1 Means of  transport, piping and reservoirs  
Any vehicle, piping or reservoir used in the processing of mineral water s from its source to the bottling 
facilities, the latter included, should comply with the necessary requirements and be made of inert material 
such a s ceramic and stainless steel which prevents any deterioration, be it by water, handling, servicing or 
disinfection; it should allow easy cleaning.  
A.2.4.2 Maintenance of vehicles and reservoirs  
Any vehicle or reservoir should be properly cleaned and disin fected and kept in good repair so as not to 
present any danger of contamination to mineral water s and of deterioration of the essential qualities of mineral 
water s. 
A.3 Establishment for processing mineral waters — Design and facilities  
A.3.1 Location  
Establishments should be located in areas, which are free from objectionable odours, smoke, dust or other 
contaminants and are not subject to flooding . 
A.3.2 Roadways and areas used by wheeled traffic  
Such roadways and areas serving the establishment, which ar e within its boundaries or in its immediate 
vicinity, should have a hard paved surface suitable for wheeled traffic. There should be adequate drainage 
and provision should be made for protection of the extraction area where appropriate and to allow for 
cleaning. Adequate road signals may be provided to call the attention of road users to the existence of mineral 
water s extraction area.  
A.3.3 Building and facilities  
A.3.3.1 Type of construction  
Buildings and facilitie s should be of sound constru ction and mai ntained in good condition . 
A.3.3.2 Disposition of holding facilities  
Rooms for recreation, for storing or packaging of raw material and areas for the cleaning of containers to be 
reused should be apart from the bottling areas to prevent the end product fro m being contaminated. Raw and 
packaging materials and any other additions, which come into contact with mineral water s, should be stored 
apart from other material.  
A.3.3.3 Working space  
Adequate working space should be provided to allow for satisfactory pe rformance of all operations.  
A.3.3.4 Design  
A.3.3.4.1 The design should be such as to permit easy and adequate cleaning and to facilitate proper 
supervision of mineral water s hygiene.  
A.3.3.4.2 The buildings and facilities should be designed to provide sep aration by partition, location or other 
effective means between those operations, which may cause cross -contamination.  
A.3.3.4.3 Buildings and facilities should be designed to facilitate hygienic operations by means of a 
regulated flow in the process from the arrival of the mineral water s at the premises to the finished product, and 
should provide for appropriate temperature conditions for the process and the product.   
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  15 
 A.3.3.5 Mineral water s handling, storing and bottling areas  
A.3.3.5.1 Floors  
Where appropr iate, should be of waterproof, non -absorbent, washable, non -slip and non -toxic materials, 
without crevices, and should be easy to clean and disinfect. Where appropriate, floors should slope sufficiently 
for liquids to drain to trapped outlets.  
A.3.3.5.2 Walls 
Where appropriate, should be of waterproof, non -absorbent, washable and non -toxic materials and should be 
light coloured. Up to a height appropriate for the operation they should be smooth and without crevices, and 
should be easy to clean and disinfect . Where appropriate, angles between walls, between walls and floors, 
and between walls and ceilings should be sealed and smoothened to facilitate cleaning . 
A.3.3.5.3 Ceilings  
Should be so designed, constructed and finished as to prevent the accumulation of  dirt and minimize 
condensation, mould development and flaking, and should be easy to clean.  
A.3.3.5.4 Windows  
Windows and other openings should be so constructed as to avoid accumulation of dirt and those which open 
should be fitted with screens. Screens should be easily movable for cleaning and kept in good repair. Internal 
windowsills, if present, should be sloped to prevent use as shelves.  
A.3.3.5.5 Doors  
Should have smooth, non -absorbent surfaces and, where appropriate, be self -closing and close fittin g. 
A.3.3.5.6 Stairs, lift cages and auxiliary structures  
Such as platforms, ladders, chutes; should be so situated and constructed as not to cause contamination to 
food. Chutes should be constructed with inspection and cleaning hatches . 
A.3.3.5.7 Piping  
Piping for mineral  water s lines should be independent of potable and non -potable water.  
A.3.3.6 Overhead structures and fittings  
In mineral water s handling areas all overhead structures and fittings should be installed in such a manner as 
to avoid contaminat ion directly or indirectly of mineral water s and raw materials by condensation and drip, and 
should not hamper cleaning operations. They should be insulated where appropriate and be so designed and 
finished as to prevent the accumulation of dirt and to min imize condensation, mould development and flaking. 
They should be easy to clean.  
A.3.3.7 Other structures  
Living quarters, toilets and areas where animals are kept should be completely separated from and should not 
open directly to mineral water s handling areas.  
A.3.3.8 Accessibility  
Where appropriate, establishments should be so designed that access can be controlled.  
A.3.3.9 Selection of construction materials   
16 © EAC  2022  – All rights reserved  
 The use of material, which cannot be adequately cleaned and disinfected, such as wood, should be  avoided 
unless its use would not be a source of contamination.  
A.3.3.10 Canalization, drainage lines  
Canalization and drainage and used water lines as well as any possible waste storage area within the 
protected perimeter should be built and maintained in  such a manner as not to present any risk whatsoever of 
polluting aquifers and springs.  
A.3.3.11 Fuel storage area  
Any storage area or tank for the storing of fuels such as coal or hydrocarbons should be designed, protected, 
controlled and maintained in su ch a manner as not to present a risk of aquifers and springs being polluted 
during the storage and manipulation of these fuels.  
A.3.4 Hygienic facilities  
A.3.4.1 Water supply  
A.3.4.1.1  Ample supply of potable water under adequate pressure and suitable temp erature should be 
available with adequate facilities for its storage, where necessary, and distribution with adequate protection 
against contamination.  
A.3.4.1.2  Mineral waters, potable water, non -potable water for steam production or for refrigeration or any 
other use should be carried in separate lines with no cross connection between them and without any chance 
of back siphonage. It would be desirable that these lines be identified by different colours. Steam used in 
direct contact with mineral water s and mineral water s contact surfaces should contain no substances, which 
may be hazardous to health or may contaminate the food.  
A.3.4.2 Effluent and waste disposal  
Establishments should have an efficient effluent and waste disposal system, which should at al l time s be 
maintained in good order and repair. All effluent lines (including sewer systems) should be large enough to 
carry full loads and should be so constructed as to avoid contamination of potable water supplies.  
A.3.4.3 Changing facilities and toilet s 
A.3.4.3.1  Adequate, suitable and conveniently located changing facilities and toilets should be provided in 
all establishments.  
A.3.4.3.2  Toilets should be so designed as to ensure hygienic removal of waste matter. These areas 
should be well lighted, ve ntilated and where appropriate heated, and should not open directly to mineral 
water s handling areas.  
A.3.4.3.3  Hand washing facilities with warm or hot and cold water, a suitable hand -cleaning preparation, 
and with suitable hygienic means of drying hands , should be provided adjacent to toilets and in such a 
position that the employee will have to use them when returning to the processing area.  Where hot and cold 
water are available mixing taps should be provided.   
A.3.4.3.4  Where paper towels are used, a sufficient number of dispensers and receptacles should be 
provided near each washing facility. Care should be taken that these receptacles for used paper towels are 
regularly emptied.  
A.3.4.3.5  Taps of a non -hand operatable type are desirable. Notices s hould be posted directing personnel 
to wash their hands after using the toilet.   
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  17 
 A.3.4.4 Hand washing facilities in mineral water processing areas  
Adequate and conveniently located facilities for hand washing and drying should be provided wherever the 
proce ss demands. Where appropriate, facilities for hand disinfection should also be provided. Warm or hot 
and cold water should be available and taps for mixing the two should be provided. There should be suitable 
hygienic means of drying hands. Where paper tow els are used, a sufficient number of dispensers and 
receptacles should be provided adjacent to each washing facility. Taps of a non -hand operatable type are 
desirable. The facilities should be furnished with properly trapped waste pipes leading to drains.  
A.3.4.5 Disinfection facilities  
Where appropriate, adequate facilities or cleaning and disinfection of working implements and  equipment 
should be provided. These facilities should be constructed of corrosion resistant materials, capable of being 
easily cle aned, and should be fitted with suitable means of supplying hot and cold water in sufficient 
quantities.  
A.3.4.6 Lighting  
Adequate natural or artificial lighting should be provided throughout the establishment. Where appropriate, the 
lighting should not al ter colours and the intensity should not be less than : 
a) 540 lux (50 foot candles) at all inspection points ; 
b) 220 lux (20 foot candles) in work rooms ; and  
c) 110 lux (10 foot candles) in other areas.  
Light bulbs and fixtures suspended over mineral water s in any stage of production should be of a safer type 
and protected to prevent contamination of mineral water s in case of breakage.  
A.3.4.7 Ventilation  
Adequate ventilation should be provided to prevent excessive heat, steam condensation and dust and to 
remove con taminated air. The direction of the airflow should never be from a dirty area to a clean area. 
Ventilation openings should be provided with a screen or other protecting enclosure of non -corrodible 
material. Screens should be easily removable for cleaning.  
A.3.4.8 Facilities for storage of waste and inedible material  
Facilities should be provided for the storage of waste and inedible material prior to removal from the 
establishment. These facilities should be designed to prevent access to waste or inedible m aterial by pests 
and to avoid contamination of mineral water s, potable water, equipment, buildings or roadways on the 
premises . 
A.3.5 Equipment and utensils  
A.3.5.1 Materials  
All equipment and utensils used in mineral water handling areas and which may con tact the natural mineral 
water should be made of material which does not transmit toxic substances, odour or taste, is non -absorbent, 
is resistant to corrosion and is capable of withstanding repeated cleaning and disinfection. Surfaces should be 
smooth and  free from pits and crevices. The use of wood and other materials, which cannot be adequately 
cleaned and disinfected, should be avoided e specially  when their use would be a source of contamination. 
The use of different materials is exercised in such a way  that contact corrosion that can occur should be 
avoided.   
18 © EAC  2022  – All rights reserved  
 A.3.5.2 Hygienic design, construction and installation  
All equipment and utensils should be so designed and constructed as to prevent hazards and permit easy and 
thorough cleaning and disinfection.  
A.4 Hygiene requirements  for the e stablishment  
A.4.1 Maintenance  
The buildings, equipment, utensils and all other physical facilities of the establishment, including drains, 
should be maintained in good repai r and in an orderly condition. As far as practic able, rooms should be kept 
protected from steam, vapour and surplus water.  
A.4.2 Cleaning and disinfection  
A.4.2.1 Cleaning and disinfection should meet the requirements of this standard.  
A.4.2.2 To prevent contamination of mineral water, all equipment and  utensils should be cleaned as 
frequently as necessary and disinfected, whenever circumstances demand.  
A.4.2.3 Adequate precautions should be taken to prevent mineral water from being contaminated during 
cleaning or disinfection of rooms, equipment or uten sils, by water and detergents or by disinfectants and their 
solutions. Detergents and disinfectants should be suitable for the purpose intended and should be acceptable 
to the official agency having jurisdiction. Any residues of these agents on a surface, which may come in 
contact with mineral water, should be removed by thorough rinsing with water, before the y are or equipment is 
again used for handling mineral water.  
A.4.2.4 Either immediately after cessation of work for the day or at such other times as may be 
appropriate, floors, including drains, auxiliary structures and walls of mineral water handling areas should be 
thoroughly cleaned.  
A.4.2.5 Changing facilities and toilets should be kept clean at all times.  
A.4.2.6 Roadways and yards in the immediat e vicinity of and serving the premises should be kept clean.  
A.4.3 Hygiene control programme  
A permanent cleaning and disinfection schedule should be drawn up for each establishment to ensure that all 
areas are appropriately cleaned and that critical areas , equipment and material are designated for special 
attention. An individual, who should preferably be a permanent member of the staff of the establishment and 
whose duties should be independent of production, should be appointed to be responsible for the cleanliness 
of the establishment. He should have a thorough understanding of the significance of contamination and the 
hazards involved. All cleaning personnel should be well trained in cleaning techniques.  
A.4.4 Storage and disposal of waste  
Waste materia l should be handled in such a manner as to avoid contamination of mineral water or potable 
water. Care should be taken to prevent access to waste by pests. Waste should be removed from the mineral 
water handling and other working areas as often as necessar y and at least daily. Immediately after disposal of 
the waste, receptacles used for storage and any equipment, which has come into contact with the waste, 
should be cleaned and disinfected. The waste storage area should also be cleaned and disinfected.  
A.4.5 Exclusion of animals  
Animals that are uncontrolled or that could be a hazard to health should be excluded from establishments.  Formatted:  English  (United  States) 
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  19 
 A.4.6 Pest control  
A.4.6.1 There should be an effective and continuous programme for the control of pests. Establishments 
and surrounding areas should be regularly examined for evidence of infestation.  
A.4.6.2 Should pests gain entrance to the establishment, eradication measures should be instituted. 
Control measures involving treatment with chemical, physical or biological agent s should only be undertaken 
by or under direct supervision of personnel who have a thorough understanding of the potential hazards to 
health resulting from the use of these agents, including those hazards which may arise from residues retained 
in the miner al water, such measures should only be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of 
the official agency having jurisdiction.  
A.4.6.3 Pesticides should only be used if other precautionary measures cannot be used effectively. 
Before pesticides are a pplied, care should be taken to safeguard mineral water equipment and utensils from 
contamination. After application, contaminated equipment and utensils should be thoroughly cleaned to 
remove residues prior to being used again.  
A.4.7 Storage of hazardous substances  
A.4.7.1 Pesticides or other substances, which may present a hazard to health, should be suitably labeled 
with a warning about their toxicity and use. They should be stored in locked rooms or cabinets used only for 
that purpose and dispersed and handled only by authorized and properly trained personnel or by persons 
under strict supervision of trained personnel. Extreme care should be taken to avoid contamination of mineral 
water.  
A.4.7.2 Except when necessary for hygienic or processing purposes, no substance which could 
contaminate mineral water should be used or stored in mineral water handling areas.  
A.4.8 Personal effects and clothing  
Personal effects and clothing should not be deposited in mineral water handling areas.  
A.5 Personnel hygiene an d health requirements  
A.5.1 Hygiene training  
Managers of establishments should arrange for adequate and continuing straining of all mineral handlers in 
hygienic handling of mineral water and in personal hygiene so that they understand the precautions neces sary 
to prevent contamination of mineral water.  
A.5.2 Medical examination  
Persons who come into contact with natural mineral water in the course of their work should have a scheduled 
medical examination if the official agency having jurisdiction, acting on  medical advice, considers that this is 
necessary, whether because of epidemiological considerations or the medical history of the prospective 
natural mineral water handler. Medical examination of mineral water handlers should be carried out at other 
times  when clinically or epidemiologically indicated.  
A.5.3 Communicable diseases  
The management should take care to ensure that no person, while known or suspected to be suffering from, 
or to be a carrier of a disease likely to be transmitted through food or w hile afflicted with infected wounds, skin 
infections, sores or with diarrhoea, is permitted to work in any mineral water handling area in any capacity in 
which there is any likelihood of such a person directly or indirectly contaminating mineral water with  
pathogenic micro -organisms. Any person so affected should immediately report to the management.   
20 © EAC  2022  – All rights reserved  
 A.5.4 Injuries  
Any persons who has a cut or wound should not continue to handle mineral water or miner al water contact 
surfaces until the injury is completely protected by a waterproof covering which is firmly secured, and which is 
conspicuous in colour. Adequate first -aid facilities should be provided for this purpose.  
A.5.5 Washing of hands  
Every person, while on duty in a natural mineral water handling area, should wash his hands frequently and 
thoroughly with a suitable hand cleaning preparation under running water. Hands should always be washed 
before commencing work, immediately after using the toilet, after handling contaminated material and 
whenever else necessary. After handling any material, which might be capable of transmitting disease, hands 
should be washed and disinfected immediately. Notices requiring hand washing should be displayed. There 
should be adequate supervision to ensure compliance with t his requirement . 
A.5.6  Personal cleanliness  
Every person engaged in a mineral water handling area should maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness 
while on duty, and should at all times while so engaged, wear suitable protective clothing including hea d 
covering and footwear, all of which should be cleanable, unless designed to be disposed of and should be 
maintained in a clean condition consistent with the nature of the work in which the person is engaged. Aprons 
and similar items should not be washed on the floor. When mineral water is manipulated by hand, any 
jewellery that cannot be adequately disinfected should be removed from the hands. Personnel should not 
wear any insecure jewellery when engaged in handling of mineral water.  
A.5.7 Personal behavi or 
Any behavior, which could result in contamination of mineral water, such as eating, use of tobacco, chewing 
(e.g. gum, sticks, betel nuts, etc) or unhygienic practices such as spitting, should be prohibited in mineral 
water handling areas.  
A.5.8 Visitor s 
Precautions should be taken to prevent visitors to mineral water handling areas from contaminating the 
product. These may include the use of protective clothing. Visitors should observe the provisions 
recommended in paragraph A.5.8, A.6.3, A.6.4 and A.6. 7. 
A.5.9 Supervision  
Responsible for ensuring compliance by all personnel with all requirements of A. 5.1 to A. 5.8 inclusive should 
be specifically allocated to competent supervisory personnel.  
A.6 Hygienic processing requirements  for the e stablishment - 
A.6.1 Raw material  
To guarantee a good and stable quality of mineral water, certain criteria should be monitored regularly :  
a) spring discharge , 
b) appearance , 
c) odour and taste , 
d) conductance ,  
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  21 
 e) microbiological flora , or 
f) any other adequate parameter.  
In case of non -compliance to the standard, necessary corrective measures should  immediately be taken.  
A.6.2 Treatment  
The treatment may include decantation, filtration, airing and where necessary decarbonation . 
A.6.2.1 Processing should be supervised by technically competen t personnel.  
A.6.2.2 All steps in the production process, including packaging, should be performed without 
unnecessary delay and under conditions which will prevent the possibility of contamination, deterioration, or 
the development of pathogenic and spoil age micro -organisms.  
A.6.2.3 Rough treatment of containers should be avoided to prevent the possibility of contamination of the 
processed product.  
A.6.2.4 Controls should be put in place to protect against contamination or development of a public health 
hazards and against deterioration within the limits of good commercial practice.  
A.6.3 Packaging material and containers  
A.6.3.1 All packaging material should be stored in a clean and hygienic manner. The material should be 
appropriate for the product to be packed and for the expected conditions of storage and should not transmit to 
the product objectionable substances beyond the limits acceptable to the official agency having jurisdiction. 
The packaging material should be sound and should provide appropriate  protection from contamination. Only 
packaging material required for immediate use should be kept in the packing or filling area.  
A.6.3.2 Product containers should not have been used for any purpose that may lead to contamination of 
the product. In case of  new containers if there is a possibility that they have been contaminated, shou ld be 
cleaned and disinfected. When chemicals are used for these purposes, the container should be rinsed as 
prescribed under A.4.2.3. Containers should be well drained after r insing. Used and, when necessary, unused 
containers should be inspected immediately before filling.  
A.6.4 Filling and sealing of containers  
A.6.4.1 Packaging should be done under conditions that preclude the introduction of contaminants into 
the product.  
A.6.4.2 The methods, equipment and material used for sealing should guarantee a tight and impervious 
sealing and should not damage the containers nor deteriorate the chemical bacteriological and organoleptic 
qualities of mineral water.  
A.6.5 Packaging of co ntainers  
The packaging of containers should protect the latter from contamination and damage and allow appropriate 
handling and storing.  
A.6.6 Lot identification  
Each container shall be permanently marked in code or in clear to identify the producing fact ory and the lot. A 
lot is quantity of mineral water produced under identical conditions, all packages of which should bear a lot 
number that identifies the production during a particular time, interval, and usually from a particular "line" or 
other critica l processing unit.   
22 © EAC  2022  – All rights reserved  
 A.6.7 Processing and production records  
Permanent, legible and dated records of pertinent processing and production details should be kept 
concerning each lot. These records should be retained for a period that exceeds the shelf life of the product. 
Records should also be kept of the initial distribution by lot.  
A.6.8 Storage and transport of the end product  
The end -product should be stored and transported under such conditions as will preclude contamination with 
and/or proliferation of m icro-organisms and protect against deterioration of the product or damage to the 
container. During storage, periodic inspection of the end product should take place to ensure that only mineral 
water, which is fit for human consumption, is dispatched and th at end -product specifications should be 
complied with.  
  
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  23 
 Annex  B 
(normative)  
 
Sampling plan for packaged mineral water  
B.1 Requirements of sampling  
B.1.1  General  
In drawing, preparing, storing and handling s amples, the following precautions and directions shall be 
observed : 
a) Sample shall be drawn in original sealed bottle/container and kept in protected place not exposed to 
damp air, dust or soot;  and 
b) Each bottle/container shall be sealed and marke d with  full details of sampling.  
B.1.2  Scale of sampling  
B.1.2.1  The quantity of packaged mineral waters of the same type belonging to the same batch of 
manufacture and packed in a day, shall constitute a lot.  
B.1.2.2  For ascertaining the conformity of the mater ial to the requirements of the specification, samples 
shall be tested from each lot separately.  
B.1.2.3  The number of containers  to be selected from a lot shall depend on the size of the lot and shall be 
according to Table B.1.  
Table B.1 — Scale of samplin g 
Number of containers in the lot (L)  Sample size (2)  
L ≤ 5000  3 
5000 < L ≤ 10000  5 
10000 < L ≤ 15000  7 
L> 15000  9 
 
B.1.2.3.1  The containers shall be chosen at random from the lot. In order to ensure the randomness of 
selection, procedure given in ISO 24153 ;" Random sampling and randomization procedures  shall be followed.  
B.1.2.4  Initially the number of cartons equal to the number of containers  to be taken from the lot 
(according to column 2 of Table B.1)  shall be chosen at random. These cartons thus selected shall be opened 
and the containers  in these carton s examined visually for the condition of packing, external appearance and 
the fill. The lot shall be considered satisfactory for inspection of other characteristics given in the specification, 
if all the containers  in the cartons opened are found satisfact ory for these characteristics.  
B.1.2.5  In case of any defective container  is found according to B.1.2.4,  twice the number of cartons shall 
be opened and the container examined for these characteristics. If no defective container  is found, the lot shall 
be considered satisfactory of inspection of other characteristics given in the specification.   
24 © EAC  2022  – All rights reserved  
 B.1.3  Preparation of test samples  
B.1.3.1  From each of the cartons opened according to B.1.2.4, three containers  shall be taken from its 
different layers so as to ob tain three times the required number of containers  in the sample (see col. 2 of 
Table B.1).  
B.1.3.2  In case the number of cartons to be opened is according to B.1.2.4, the number of cartons equal 
to the number of containers  in the sample shall be taken at random from these cartons and then the required 
number of containers  picked up according to B.1.3.1.  
B.1.3.3  The sample bottles selected as in B.1.3.1 or B.1.3.2 shall be divided at random into three equal 
sets and labeled with all the particulars of sampl ing. One of these sets of sampled containers  shall be for the 
purchaser, another for vendor and the third for referee.  
B.1.3.4  Referee sample  
Referee sample shall consist of a set of sample containers  marked for this purpose and shall bear the details 
of the purchaser and the supplier. These shall be kept at a place agreeable to the purchaser and the supplier 
so as to be used in case of a dispute between the two.  
B.1.4  Criteria for conformity  
The lot shall be declared as conforming to the requirements of th e relevant specification if all the parameters 
are satisfied.   
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  25 
 Annex  C 
(informative)  
 
Water Safety plan  
C.1 Packaged mineral water s operators shall develop, implement and maintain a water safety plan taking 
into consideration the potential risks to the safety of the water from the supply  catchment area up to the 
consumer.  
C.2 A water safety plan shall consist of three key components:   
a) system assessment to determine whether the mineral water s supply chain ( up to the point of 
consumption) as a whole, can deliver water of a quality that meets health -based targets;  
b) identifying control measures in a mineral  water system that will collectively control identified risks and 
ensure that the health -based targets are met; and  
c) management plans describing actions to be taken during normal operation or incident conditions, 
documenting the system assessment (including upgrade and improvement), monitoring, communication 
plans and supporting programmes.  
C.3 A water safety plan shall include measures to protect the source of drinking water from risks of 
pollution.  
a) measures to ensure all installations intended for the production of drinking water exclude any possibility of 
contamination. For this purpose and in part icular:  
i)  the installation for collection, the pipes and the reservoirs shall be made from materials suited to the 
water and in such a way as to prevent the introduction of foreign substances in water; and 
ii) the equipment and its use for production sh all meet hygienic requirements;  
b) measures to ensure an appropriate treatment such as pre -treatment processes, coagulation, flocculation, 
sedimentation, filtration and disinfection are undertaken to assure the safety of water for the consumers; 
and 
c) appropriate operational monitoring system including monitoring parameters that can be measured and for 
which limits have been set to define the operational effectiveness of the activity; frequency of monitoring and 
procedures for corrective action that can b e implemented in response to deviation from limits. If, during 
production it is found that the water is polluted, the producer shall stop all operations until the cause of 
pollution is eliminated; and a verification plan to ensure that individual component s of a mineral -waters 
system, and system as a whole is operating safely.   
26 © EAC  2022  – All rights reserved  
 Annex  D 
(normative)  
 
Surveillance  
D.1 General surveillance requirements  
Mineral water s producers sh all ensure, at all times, the quality and safety of the water that they produce. 
Public health surveillance (that is, surveillance of health status and trends) contributes to verifying drinking -
water safety.  
Adequate infrastructure, proper monitoring and effe ctive planning and management; and a system of 
independent surveillance are basic and essential requirements to ensure the safety of mineral water s.  
Surveillance shall cover the total supply network from the source of untreated water to the consumer deliv ery 
points.  
A sampling programme that takes into consideration appropriate international standards shall be established 
and implemented. The sampling shall be regular and its frequency shall mainly depend on the following 
factors:  
a) quality of water harn essed including effects on the water from climatic, human and industrial activities;  
b) type of treatment for drinking worthiness;  
c) volume of water processed;  
d) risks of contamination;  
e) background of public water supply network;  
f) population ser ved; and  
g) capabilities of the analytical facility (both in terms of capacity and in terms of analytical performance) . 
 Formatted:  French  (France)
Field  Code  Changed
Field  Code  Changed
Field  Code  ChangedFormatted:  French  (France) 
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  27 
 Bibliography  
[1] EAS 13 , Packaged mineral water – Specification, third edition 2018.  
[2]  WHO , Guidelines for drinking water quality, fourth edition 2011.  
[3]  Codex Stan 108 , Standard for natural mineral waters, adopted 1981 and amended 2011.  
 
 DEAS 13: 2022    
 
© EAC 2022  – All rights reserved  
  
  