Food Standards Australia New Zealand, a bi-national government regulatory agency, is seeking public comment on a
proposal that would allow beverage manufacturers to add fluoride to bottled water.
The agency undertook review of the matter after the Australian Beverages Council Ltd. applied for approval of the voluntary addition of fluoride, at a level of 0.6 - 1.0 milligrams per liter (total of naturally occurring and added fluoride), to bottled water. According to the Foods Standards agency, this level aligns with the fluoride levels in fluoridated tap water, considered to have a "history of safe use."
If approved, bottlers adding fluoride to their bottled water would be required to indicate on the label that the product contains added fluoride. "This requirement will assist consumers to make an informed choice," the agency said.