English

Abstract

For consumers, the water composition is indicated on a label attached to the water bottle. Reports about wrong label information were the motivation for this comparative study of the real content of 20 different bottled water brands from Saudi Arabia and 19 other brands from different countries in Asia, Oceania, Africa, and Europe. The pH, total dissolved salt (TDS) concentration, and concentrations of nine cations and anions were evaluated and bacteriological analysis was carried out to determine for all Saudi and international brands. Bottled water from all tested brands is safe for consumption. Furthermore, the determined analysis agrees with the water parameters indicated on the bottle labels, proving the labels’ reliability. Statistical analysis also reveals that the drinking-water quality of the Saudi brands is comparable to international brands. Considering that bottled water consumption has increased, especially in geographic areas where drinking quality tap water is not available, quality control of bottled water becomes essential, aiming for correct information on the label to reliably inform the consumers and ensure human health.   Key words: Bottled water, label, Saudi Arabia, brand.