DRAFT FOR PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD  
  DUS DEAS 153  
Second Edition  
2017-mm-dd 
 
 Reference number  
DUS DEAS 153: 2017  
© UNBS 201 7 
  
Packaged drinking water — Speci fication 
 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC REVIEWDUS DEAS 153: 2017 
ii                © UNBS  2017 - All rights reserved 
 Compliance with this standard does not, of itself confer immunity from legal obligations  
A Uganda Standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of a contract. Users are 
responsible for its correct application  
© UNBS 2017 
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without prior written 
permission from UNBS. 
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to 
The Executive Director 
Uganda National Bureau of Standards 
P.O. Box 6329 
Kampala 
Uganda 
Tel: +256 417 333 250 /1/2 
Fax: +256 414 286 123 
E-mail: info@unbs.go.ug  
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  
 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC REVIEWDUS DEAS 153:2017 
© UNBS  2017 - All rights reserved                iii National foreword 
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and 
Cooperatives established under Cap 327, of the Laws of Uganda, as amended.  UNBS is mandated to co-
ordinate the elaboration of standards and is  
(a) a member of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the National Enquiry Point on TBT Agreement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). 
The work of preparing Uganda Standards is carried out through Technical Committees. A Technical 
Committee is established to deliberate on standards in a given field or area and consists of representatives of 
consumers, traders, academicians, manufacturers, government and other stakeholders. 
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the comments before recommending the draft standards 
for approval and declaration as Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council.  
This Draft Uganda Standard, DUS DEAS 153: 2017, Packaged drinking water  — Specification , is identical
with and has been reproduced from a  Draft East African  Standard , DEAS 1 53: 2017, Packaged drinking water
 — Specification , and is being proposed for adoption  as a Uganda Standard.  
The committee responsible for this document is Technical Committee UNBS/TC 2 , Food and agriculture.  
Subcommittee SC 16, Water and alcoholic beverages.  
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (US EAS 153: 2014), which has been technically 
revised.  
Wherever the words, “ East African Standard" appear, they should be replaced by "Uganda Standard." 
 
   DEAS 153: 201 7 
ICS 13.060.20  
© EA C 2017                                                                                                                          Third  Edition 2017   
 
DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  
Packaged drinking water — Specification  
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY  DEAS 153: 2017  
ii © EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  
 Copyright notice  
This EAC document is copyright -protected by EAC. While the reproduction of this document by 
participants in the EAC standards development process i s permitted without prior permission from EAC, 
neither this document nor any extract from it may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form for 
any other purpose without prior written permission from EAC.  
Requests for permission to reproduce this doc ument for the purpose of selling it should be addressed 
as shown below or to EAC’s member body in the country of the requester:  
© East African Community  2017  — All rights reserved  
East African Community   
P.O.Box 1096  
Arusha  
Tanzania  
Tel: 255 27 2504253/8  
Fax: 255 27 2504481/2504255  
E-mail: eac@eachq.org  
       Web: www.eac -quality.net  
Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement.  
Violators may be prosecuted.  DEAS 153: 2017  
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  iv 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  32 
4 Requirements for packaged drinking water  ................................ ................................ .......................  4 
4.1 General requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  4 
4.2 Specific requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  54 
4.2.3  Organic contaminants ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  76 
4.3 Microbiological contaminants  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  87 
4.4 Radioactive characteristics  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  8 
5 Packaging  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  98 
6 Labelling requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  98 
6.1 The name of the product ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  9 
6.2 Additional labelling requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 9 
6.2.1  Mineral content  ................................ ................................ ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 9 
6.2.2  Fluoride  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  9 
6.2.3  Geographic loc ation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  9 
6.2.4 Water from water distribution system  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 9 
6.3 Labelling prohibitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  910 
6.4 Optional  Labelling  ................................ ................................ ................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 10 
7 Sampling  ................................ ................................ ................................ Error!  Bookmark not defined. 10 
7.1 Sampling requirements ................................ ................................ ......... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10 
7.2  Parameters for minimum monitoring  ................................ ................................ ............................  1011 
8 Sampling plan for packaged drinking water  ................................ ................................ .................  1112 
Annex  A (normat ive)  Water safety plans  ................................ ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 14 
Annex  B (informative)  Surveillance  ................................ ................................ .Error! Bookmark not defined. 15 
B.1 General surveillance requirements  ................................ ..................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 15 
Bibliography  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  2716 
 
 DEAS 153: 2017  
iv © EAC 2017  – 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 th e 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.  
In order to achieve this objective, the Community establishe d an East African Standards Committee mandated 
to develop and issue East African Standards.   
The Committee is composed of representatives of the National Standards Bodies in Partner States, together 
with the representatives from the private sectors and con sumer organizations. 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 proc edures 
of the Community.  
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 implem enting .  
DEAS 153 was prepared by Technical Committee  EASC/TC 081, Drinking water.  
This third edition cancels and replaces the second  edition  (EAS  153:2014), which has been technically 
revised.  
 DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  dEAS 153:201 7 
 
© EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  1 
 Packaged drinking water — Specification  
1 Scope  and field of  application  
1.1 This Draft East African Standard specifies requirements and method s of sampling and test for 
packaged drinking water for direct human consumption.  
1.2 This standard applies to drinking water, carbonated drinking / sparkling drinking water a nd alkaline 
drinking water.  
2 Normative references  
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced  
document (including any amendments) applies.  
ASTM D 5907 -13, Standard test methods for filterable matter (total dissolved solids) and non -filterable matter 
(total suspended solids) in water  
EAS 13, Containerized mineral water  
EAS 38, Labelling of prepacka ged foods — Specification  
EAS 39, Hygiene in the food and drink manufacturing industry — Code of practice  
ISO 10523, Water quality ━ Determination of pH  
ISO 11423 , Water quality -- Determination of benzene and some derivatives  
ISO 12020, Water quality ━ Determination of aluminium ━ Atomic absorption spectrometric methods  
ISO 13877, Soil quality -- Determination of polynuclear aromatic  hydrocarbons -- Method using high -
performance liquid chromatography  
ISO 14402, Water quality -- Determination of phenol index by flow analysis (FIA and CFA)  
ISO 15681  
ISO 9308 -1 
ISO 15089, Water quality -- Guidelines for selective immunoassays for the de termination 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 pseudomonas aeruginosa ━ Method by 
membrane filtration   
2 © EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  
 ISO 21567, Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs ━ Horizontal method for the detection of Shigella 
spp Replace with a test method for water  
ISO 22743, Water qual ity -- Determination of sulfates -- Method by continuous flow analysis (CFA)  
ISO 9308 -1 
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 6461 , Water quality ━ Detection and enumeration of the spores of sulphite reducing anaerobes 
(clostridia)  
ISO 6785, Milk and milk products -- Detection of Salmonella spp.  
ISO 6888 , Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs ━ Horizontal method for the enumeration of 
coagulass -positive staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus and other species)   
ISO 7027, Water quality — Determination of turbidity   
ISO 7393 , Water quality -- Determination of f ree chlorine and total chlorine  
ISO 7887, Water quality — Examination and determination of colour  
ISO 7888, Water quality — Determination of electrical conduct ivity 
ISO 7899 , Water quality ━ Detection and enumeration of intestinal enterococci  
ISO 7980, Water quality -- Determination of calcium and magnesium -- Atomic absorption spectrometric 
method  
ISO 8165 , Water quality -- Determination o f selected monovalent phenols  
ISO 8245, Water quali ty ━ 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 9297, Water quality ━ Determination of chloride ━ Silver nitrate titration with chromate indicator (Mohr’s   
method)  
ISO 9308 , Water quality ━ Detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria  
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 , Water quality ━ Determination of sodium and potassium   
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  3 
 3 Terms and definitions  
For the pu rposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions shall apply  
3.1 
packaged drinking water  
water that has been suitably treated for human consumption filled and sealed in containers. It may contain 
minerals naturally occurring or intentionally a dded; it may contain carbon dioxide naturally occurring or 
intentionally added but does not contain sugars, sweeteners, flavourings or other food stuffs  
NOTE  Packaged drinking water r efers to  drinking water, carbonated drinking water /sparkling drinking wa ter and 
alkaline drinking water.  
3.2 
Carbonated drinking water /sparkling drinking water  
drinking   water  which,  after  possible  treatment and after packaging, has been made effervescent by the 
addition of car bon dioxide from another origin  
3.3 
alkaline drinking water   
Water meant for human consumption that has undergone treatment with alkali zed filters or other permitted 
treatments to achieve a pH range of 8.6 to 10 (to be discussed further)  
3.3 
artesian well water  
water from a well tapping a confined aq uifer in which the water level stands at some height above the  top of 
the aquifer  
3.3 
glacial water  
water which is derived from an approved source originating from and collected within a watershed  containing 
a glacier, and is not der ived from a public wate r system  
3.4 
spring water  
water derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the  earth  
3.5 
well water  
water from a hole bored, drilled, or otherwise constructed in the ground which taps the water of an  aquifer  
3.6 
purified water or demineralized water  
water which has been processed by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis, or other suitable  process, and 
contains no added substance,  
Alternatively, this water may be called:  
a) deionized water if it is processed b y deionization;  
b) distilled water if the water has been processed by distillation;  and 
c) reverse osmosis water if the water has be en processed by reverse osmosis.  
3.7 
sterilized water  
 
water that is free from all types  of microorganisms    
4 © EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  
 3.8 
enriched water  
water with added minerals  
3.9 
prepared waters  
water that originates from other types of water supply suitably prepared before packaging  
3.10 
potable water  
water that is safe and  suitable for human consumption  
3.11 
drinking water  
potable water intended for hum an consumption  
3.12 
treated water  
water that has undergone through processes such as flocculation, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and 
disinfection  
3.13 
water quality  
the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of water in respect to suit ability for human consumption  
3.14 
safe water  
water that is free of physical, chemical and/or biological substances   in concentrations which could cause 
illnes s or injury to consumers  
3.15 
surveillance  
an independent continuous, specific measurement, obse rvation and reporting for the purpose of water quality 
manage ment and operational activities  
3.16 
disinfection  
reduction by means of chemical agents and/or physical methods, of the number of micro -organism to a level 
that does not compromise public health  
4 Requirements for packaged drinking water  
4.1 General requirements  
4.1.1  The location, construction, operation and supervision of water supply source, its reservoirs and its 
distribution system shall be subject of approval by the relevant authority  
4.1.2 Packaged drinking water may optionally contain safe and permitted  antimicrobial agents  during processing . 
4.1.3   Essential minerals  may be optionally added  and if added they shall be declared in the label . 
4.1.4 Artesian water may be collected with the as sistance of external force to enhance  the natural underground 
pressure as long as such measures do not alter the physical properties,  composition, and quality of water.  
4.1.5 Glacial water should contain an amount of total dissolved solids, which at its co llection point does not 
significantly differ from that of the glacier.   
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  5 
 4.1.5  Spring water shall be collected only at the spring or through a borehole tapping the underground formation 
feeding the spring. There should be a natural force causing the water to  flow to the surface through a natural orifice. 
The location of the spring shall be identifiable.  
Spring water shall have all the physical properties, before treatment, and be of the same composition and quality, as 
the water that flows naturally to the su rface of the earth.  
4.1.6  Packaged drinking water shall be handled under hygienic conditions stipulated in EAS 39 .  
4.2 Specific requirements  
4.2.1  physical characteristics  
The physical characteristics affecting the quality of water  
4.2.1.1  Packaged drinking water  shall not have objectionable taste or odour to the consumers and shall be 
free from any foreign matter.  
4.2.1.2  Packaged drinking water shall comply with the physical characteristics in Table 1.  
Table 1 — Physical requirements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.2.2  Chemical characteristics  
4.2.2.1  Packaged drinking  water shall comply with  the chemical characteristics affecting quality indicated in 
Table 2  
Table 2 — chemical characteristics  for packaged drinking water  
Sl. No.  chemical characteristic   limits  (mg/L max.)  test Method  
ii) Total dissolved solids  1000   ASTM D 5907 -13 
iii Total organic matter  0.003  ISO 8245  
iv) Total hardness, as CaCO 3, 300 ISO 6059  
v) Aluminium, ( Al) 0.2 ISO 1 2020  
vi) Chloride, (Cl) 250 ISO 9297  
vi) Iron (Fe) 0.3 ISO 6332  
vii) Sodium, ( Na) 200 ISO 9964 -1 
viii) Sulphate  (SO 4) 400 ISO 22743  Sl. No.  Characteri stic Limits  Method of test  
i) Colour (TCU max)  15 ISO 7887  
ii) Turbidity (NTU)  1 max. (NTU)  ISO 7027  
iii) pHa) 6.5 – 8.5 ISO 10523  
vii) Total Suspended matter  Not detectable  ASTM D 5907 -13 
a)  For carbonated drinking  water, the pH range shall be 4 -5.9. For alkaline drinking water, 
pH  range shall be 8.6 - 10 
  
6 © EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  
 ix) Zinc, (Zn) 5 ISO 8288  
x) Magnesium, (Mg) 100 ISO 7980  
xi) Calcium, (Ca) 150 ISO 7980  
xii) Free residual chlorine  ( Cl2) Not detectable  ISO 7393  
xiii) potassium  as (K), max  50 mg/l  ISO 9964  
    
 
4.2.2.2  Inorganic substances  
Packaged drinking water shall comply with  the limits of inorganic substances  affecting safety indicated in 
Table 3.  
Table 3 — Limits for inorg anic substances  in packaged drinking water  
Sl. No.  Substance  Limit  
mg/L, max.  Method of test 
 
i) Arsenic, (As) 0.01 ISO 11969  
ii) Cadmium, (Cd) 0.003  ISO 5961  
iii) Lead, (Pb) 0.01 ISO 8288  
iv) Copper, (Cu) 2.000 ISO 8288  
v) Mercury (total Hg 2  0.001  ISO 12846  
vi) Manganese, ( Mn) 0.1 ISO 6333  
vii) Selenium, (Se) 0.01 ISO 9965  
viii) Ammonia (N H3) 0.5 ISO 11732  
ix) Chromium, ( Cr) 0.05 ISO 9174  
x) Nickel, (Ni) 0.02 ISO 8288  
xi) Cyanide ( CN) 0.01 ISO6703  
xii) Barium, ( Ba) 0.7 ISO 11885  
xiii) Nitrate, ( NO 3) 45 ISO 7890  
xiv) Boron (B) 0.5 ISO 9390  
xv) Fluoride, ( F) 1.5 a) ISO 10359  
xvi) Bromate, (BrO 3) 0.01 ISO 15061  
xvii) Nitrite (NO 2) 0.5 ISO 6777   
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  7 
 xiii) Phosphates, (PO 43-) 2.2 ISO 15681  
 uranium  0.03 ASTM D 6239 -9 
a) If the product contain s more than 1.0 mg/L fluoride, the following term shall appear on the label as part of, or in close 
proximity to the name of the product on in any otherwise prominent position ‘’water contains fluoride’’.  
 
4.2.3 Organic substances  
Packaged drinking water shall comply with the limits of organic contaminants affecting safety indicated in 
Table 4 . 
 
 
Table 4 — Limits for organic substances  in packaged drinking water  
 
Sl. No. Substance (Arrange alphabetical 
order)  Limit µg/L max.  Method of test  
i) Aromatics   
Benzene  10 ISO 11423  
 Toluene  700 
Xylene  500 
Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon  0.7 ISO 13877  
ii) Chlorinated Alkanes and Alkenes   
Carbon tetrachloride  2 ISO 10301 - 
  1,2-Dichloroethane  30 
 1,1-Dichloroethylene  0.3 
 1,1-Dichloroethene  30 
 Tetrachloroethene  40 
iii) Phenolic substances   
 Phenols  2 ISO 8165  
 2,4,6 -Trichlorophenol  200 ISO 14402  
iv) Trihalomethanes   
 Chloroform  30 ASTM D 3871 -
85 
v) Pesticides  
 Aldrin/Dieldrin  0.03 ISO 15089  
 Chlordane (total)  0.3 
 2,4- Dichlorophenox yacetic acid  30 
 DDT (total)  1 
 Heptachlor and Heptachlor Epoxide  0.03 
 Hexachlorobenzene  1  
8 © EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  
  Lindane BHC  2 
 Methoxychlor  20 
vi) Surfactants  (reacting with methylene 
Blue)  200 ISO 16265  
viii) Organic matter  3 ISO 8245 - 
 
4.3 Microbiological con taminants  
Packaged drinking water shall comply with  the limits indicated in Table 5 . 
Table 5 — Microbiological limits for packaged drinking 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 in 100 mL  Absent  ISO 9308 -1 
iii) E. Coli  in 100 mL  Absent  ISO 9308 -1 
iv) Staphylococcus aureus in 
100 mL  Absent  ISO 6888 -1 
v) Sulphite reducing anaerobes 
in100 mL  Absent  ISO 64 61-2 
vi) Pseudomonas aeruginos a 
fluorescence in 100 mL  Absent  ISO 16266  
vii) Streptococcus faecalis  in 
100mL  Absent  ISO 7899 -2 
viii) Shigella  in 100 mL  Absent  ISO 21567  
ix) Salmonella  in 100 mL  Absent  ISO 6785  
x) cryptosporidium  Absen t ISO 15553  
xi) Giardia  Absen t 
a) This parameter is for monitoring the system at source. Total time before analysis 
should be not more than 6 h at 4 ºC. Determination of total viable counts shall start within 
12 h after collection of the packaged drinking water sample. 
 
4.4 Radioactive characteristics  
Packaged drinking water shall comply with the limits for radioactive materials stipulated in Table 6 . 
Table 6 — Limits for radioactive materials in packaged drinking water  
Sl. No.  Radioactive 
material  Limits in  
Bq/L  Method of test  
i) Gross alpha activity  0.5 ISO 9696  
ii) Gross beta activity  1 ISO 9697   
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  9 
  
5 Packaging  
5.1 The product shall be packaged in s ealed retail containers suitable for preventing the possible 
adulteration or contamination of water and shall be in accordance with environmental regulations of Partner 
States  
5.2 The package shall be made from food grade material and strong enough to withstand normal handling 
and transportation . 
6 Labelling  
In addition to the requirements of EAS 38, the following spec ific labelling requirements shall apply and shall be 
legibly and indelibly marked . 
 
6.1 The name of the product  
6.1.1  The name of the product shall be as provided in the definition clauses  
6.1.2  The label may provide the following composition: Na+, K+ Ca++ , Mg++, Fe++, Cl -, SO42, F -, NO3 
and bearing the pH and TDS  
6.1.3  Packaged drinking water which contains carbon dioxide at levels than those naturally occurring in the 
source of the product shall be labelled with the words ‘carbonated, carbonation added, o r sparkling ’. 
6.2 Additional labelling requirements  
6.2.2  Fluoride  
Packaged water containing added fluoride shall be labeled "Fluoridated water". Any water that is called 
fluoridated wate r shall contain not less than 0. 8 mg/ L fluoride ion. The product  shou ld not contain more than 
1.5 mg/ L of fluoride.  
6.2.3  Geographic location  
The geographic location may be indicated on the label for artesian, spring or well water.  
6.2.4 Water from water distribution system  
When drinking water is supplied by a public or pri vate tap water distribution system, the wording "From a 
public or private distribution system" must appear along with the name of the product on the front of the main 
label.  
6.3 Labelling prohibitions  
6.3.1  No claims concerning medicinal (preventive, allev iative 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.  
6.3.2  The way in which labels on the packaged water are presented shall not cause conf usion with other 
categories of water, particularly mineral water s, as defined in the EAS 13.   
10 © EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  
 6.3.3  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 packaged 
drinking water put on sale, is prohibited.  
7.2  Parameters for minimum monitoring  
It is recognized that, in many instances, the cost of performing a full analysis against Table 1, Table 2, Table 
3, Table 4, T able 5, and Table 6 can be prohibitive.  
Analysis of the parameters in Table 7 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 7 — Parameters required for minimum monitoring  
 
Sl. No.  property  Test method  
a)  Conductivity  or 
dissolved solids  Table 1  
 
b)  Colour  
c)  Turbidity;  
d)  Taste  
e)  Odour  
f)  pH value  
g)  Fluoride as F - 
h)  Nitrate  
i)  Aluminium  
j)  Iron(total)  
k)  Nitrite  Table 2  
l)  Ammonia  
m)  Residual free chlorine  
n)  Faecal coliform bacteria 
or E. coli;  Table 5  
o)  Shigella spp  
p)  Salmonella spp  
 
If abnormal results are encountered in any of these analyses, sampling frequency shall be increased and/or 
additional analyses ca rried out.  
NOTE  A consumer complaints register for the aesthetic qualities of the water should be maintained .  
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  11 
 8 Sampling plan for packaged drinking water  
Sampling plan shall be done in accordance with Annex B.  
 
 
  
12 © EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  
 Annex  A 
(normative)  
 
Recommended hygienic p ractices  
A.1 Field of application  
This annex  prescribes appropriate general techniques for collecting packaged drinking water , its treatment, 
bottling, packaging, storage, transport, distribution and sale for direct consumption, so as to guarantee a safe,  
healthy and wholesome product.  
A.2 The definitions, terms and expressions used are the same as those given in Clause 3.  
A.3 Prescriptions of the resources of packaged drinking  water . 
A.3.1  Protection of alimentary reservoirs and aquifers  
A.3.1.1  Authoriza tion 
Packaged drinking  water shall be recognized and approved as such by the relevant Authority having 
jurisdiction in the place of collection.  
A.3.1.2  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.3.1.3  Perimeter of protection  
If possible areas wherein packaged drinki ng 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 biochemi cal reactions, several 
perimeters with separate dimensions may be provided.  
A.3.1.4  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 packaged drinking water  
It is recommended that regulations be established for the disposal of liquid, solid or gaseous waste, the use of 
substances that might deteriorate packaged drinking water  (e.g. by agriculture) as well as for any possibi lity 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, dete rgents, 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 co nsideration, such as mining, 
hydraulic and engineering facilities etc.   
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  13 
 A.3.2  Hygiene prescriptions for collection of mineral water s 
A.3.2.1  Extraction  
The withdrawal of packaged drinking water  (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 
packaged drinking water  from entering or, should there be pumping facilities, prevent any extraneous water 
from entering by reducing the supply. The  packaged drinking water 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.3.2.2  Materials  
The pipes, pumps or other possible devices com ing into contact with packaged drinking water and used for its 
collection should be made of such material as to guarantee that are original qualities of packaged drinking 
water  will not be changed.  
A.3.2.3  Protection of the extraction area  
In the immediate  surroundings of springs and wells, precautionary measures should be taken to guarantee 
that no pollutant whatsoever could enter the extraction area. The extraction area should be inaccessible to 
non-authorized people by providing adequate devices (e.g. en closure).  Any use not aiming at the collection of 
mineral water s should be forbidden in this area.  
A.3.2.4  The exploitation of natural mineral water  
The condition of the extraction facilities, areas of extraction and perimeter protection as well as the qu ality of 
the  packaged drinking water should periodically be checked. To control the stability of the chemical and 
physical particulars of the packaged drinking water  derived, besides the natural variations, automatic 
measurements of the typical characteri stics of water should be carried out and notified (e.g. electrical 
conductance, temperature, and content of carbon dioxide) or frequent partial analysis should be done.  
A.3.3  Maintenance of extraction facilities  
A.3.3.1  Technical aspects  
Methods and proced ures for maintaining the extraction facilities should be hygienic and not be a potential 
hazard to human health or a source of contamination to packaged drinking water . From the hygiene 
standpoint, servicing of the extraction installations should meet the same standards as those required for the 
bottling or treatment.  
A.3.3.2  Equipment and reservoirs  
Equipment and reservoirs used for extraction of packaged drinking water should be constructed and 
maintained in order to minimize all hazards to human health a nd to avoid contamination.  
A.3.3.3  Storage at the point of extraction  
The quantity of packaged drinking water stored at the point of extraction should be as low as possible. The 
storing should furthermore guarantee protection against contamination or deter ioration . 
A.3.4  Transport of packaged drinking water within an establishment  and from the source  
Packaging at the source is  preferred .   
14 © EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  
 A.3.4.1  Means of transport, piping and reservoirs  
Any vehicle, piping or reservoir used in the processing of packaged d rinking water from its source to the 
bottling facilities, the latter included, should comply with the necessary requirements and be made of inert 
material such as ceramic and stainless steel which prevents any deterioration, be it by water, handling, 
servi cing or disinfection; it should allow easy cleaning.  
A.3.4.2  Maintenance of vehicles and reservoirs  
Any vehicle or reservoir should be properly cleaned and disinfected and kept in good repair so as not to 
present any danger of contamination to packaged dri nking water and of deterioration of the essential qualities 
of packaged drinking water . 
A.4 Establishment for processing packaged drinking water — Design and facilities  
A.4.1  Location  
Establishments should be located in areas, which are free from objection able odours, smoke, dust or other 
contaminants and are not subject to flooding . 
A.4.2  Roadways and areas used by wheeled traffic  
Such roadways and areas serving the establishment, which are 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 o f road users to the existence of mineral 
water s extraction area.  
A.4.3  Building and facilities  
A.4.3.1  Type of construction  
Buildings and facilitie s should be of sound constru ction and maintained in good repair.  
A.4.3.2  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 from being contaminated. Raw and 
packaging materials and any other additio ns, which come into contact with mineral water s, should be stored 
apart from other material.  
A.4.3.3  Adequate working space should be provided to allow for satisfactory performance of all 
operations.  
A.4.3.4  The design should be such as to permit easy and adequate cleaning and to facilitate proper 
supervision of packaged drinking water hygiene.  
A.4.3.5  The buildings and facilities should be designed to provide separation by partition, location or other 
effective means between those operations, which may cau se cross -contamination.  
A.4.3.6  Buildings and facilities should be designed to facilitate hygienic operations by means of a 
regulated flow in the process from the arrival of the packaged drinking water at the premises to the finished 
product, and should pr ovide for appropriate temperature conditions for the process and the product.   
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  15 
 A.4.3.7  packaged drinking water handling, storing and bottling areas  
A.4.3.7.1  Floors  
Where appropriate, 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.4.3.7.2  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 betwee n walls and ceilings should be sealed and smoothened to facilitate cleaning . 
A.4.3.7.3  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 e asy to clean.  
A.4.3.7.4  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 
windows ills, if present, should be sloped to prevent use as shelves.  
A.4.3.7.5  Doors  
Should have smooth, non -absorbent surfaces and, where appropriate, be self -closing and close fitting.  
A.4.3.7.6  Stairs, lift cages and auxiliary structures  
Such as platforms, lad ders, chutes; should be so situated and constructed as not to cause contamination to 
food. Chutes should be constructed with inspection and cleaning hatches . 
A.4.3.7.7  Piping  
Piping for packaged drinking water lines should be independent of potable and non -potable water.  
A.4.3.8  In packaged drinking water handling areas all overhead structures and fittings should be installed 
in such a manner as to avoid contamination directly or indirectly of packaged drinking water and raw materials 
by condensation and dr ip, 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 minimize 
condensation, mould development and flaking. They should be easy to clean.  
A.4.3.9 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.4.3.10  Where appropriate, establishments should be so designed that access can be controlled.  
A.4.3.11  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.4.3.12  Canalization, drainage lines   
16 © EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  
 Canalization and drainage and used water lines a s 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.4.3.13  Fuel storage area  
Any storage area or tank for the st oring of fuels such as coal or hydrocarbons should be designed, protected, 
controlled and maintained in such a manner as not to present a risk of aquifers and springs being polluted 
during the storage and manipulation of these fuels.  
A.4.4  Hygienic facilit ies 
A.4.4.1  Water supply  
A.4.4.1.1  Ample supply of packaged drinking water under adequate pressure and suitable temperature 
should be available with adequate facilities for its storage, where necessary, and distribution with adequate 
protection against con tamination.  
A.4.4.1.2  packaged drinking 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 l ines be identified by different colours. Steam used in direct contact with mineral 
water s and packaged drinking water contact surfaces should contain no substances, which may be hazardous 
to health or may contaminate the food.  
A.4.4.2  Effluent and waste di sposal  
Establishments should have an efficient effluent and waste disposal system, which should at all 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 co nstructed as to avoid contamination of packaged drinking water supplies.  
A.4.4.3  Changing facilities and toilets  
Adequate, suitable and conveniently located changing facilities and toilets should be provided in all 
establishments. Toilets should be so desi gned as to ensure hygienic removal of waste matter. These areas 
should be well lighted, ventilated and where appropriate heated, and should not open directly to mineral 
water s handling areas. Hand washing facilities with warm or hot and cold water, a suita ble 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 avai lable mixing taps should be provided.  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. Ta ps of a non -hand operatable type are 
desirable. Notices should be posted directing personnel to wash their hands after using the toilet.  
A.4.4.4  Hand washing facilities in natural mineral water processing areas  
Adequate and conveniently located facilities for hand washing and drying should be provided wherever the 
process 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 s hould be suitable 
hygienic means of drying hands. Where paper towels 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 b e furnished with properly trapped waste pipes leading to drains.  
A.4.4.5  Disinfection facilities  
Where appropriate, adequate facilities or cleaning and disinfection of working implements and  equipment 
should be provided. These facilities should be construc ted of corrosion resistant materials, capable of being  
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  17 
 easily cleaned, and should be fitted with suitable means of supplying hot and cold water in sufficient 
quantities.  
A.4.4.6  Lighting  
Adequate natural or artificial lighting should be provided throughout  the establishment. Where appropriate, the 
lighting should not alter 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 area s. 
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.4.4.7  Ventilation  
Adequate ventilation should be provided to prev ent excessive heat, steam condensation and dust and to 
remove contaminated 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 -corro dible 
material. Screens should be easily removable for cleaning.  
A.4.4.8  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 facil ities should be designed to prevent access to waste or inedible material by pests 
and to avoid contamination of packaged drinking water , equipment, buildings or roadways on the premises . 
A.4.5  Equipment and utensils  
A.4.5.1  Materials  
All equipment and uten sils used in packaged drinking water handling areas and which may contact the 
packaged drinking 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 withsta nding 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 except when their use would be a source of 
conta mination. The use of different materials is exercised in such a way that contact corrosion that can occur 
should be avoided.  
A.4.5.2  Hygienic design, construction and installation  
All equipment and utensils should be so designed and constructed as to preve nt hazards and permit easy and 
thorough cleaning and disinfection.  
A.5 Establishment: Hygiene requirements  
A.5.1  Maintenance  
The buildings, equipment, utensils and all other physical facilities of the establishment, including drains, 
should be maintained i n good repai r and in an orderly condition. As far as practicable, rooms should be kept 
protected from steam, vapour and surplus water.   
18 © EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  
 A.5.2  Cleaning and disinfection  
A.5.2.1  Cleaning and disinfection should meet the requirements of this standard.  
A.5.2.2  To prevent contamination of packaged drinking water , all equipment and utensils should be 
cleaned as frequently as necessary and disinfected, whenever circumstances demand.  
A.5.2.3  Adequate precautions should be taken to prevent packaged drinking water from being 
contaminated during cleaning or disinfection of rooms, equipment or utensils, 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 packaged drinking water , should be removed by thorough rinsing with water, 
before the y are or equipment is again used for handling packaged drink ing water . 
A.5.2.4  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 packaged drinking water handling areas 
should be thoroughly cleaned.  
A.5.2.5  Changing facilities and toilets should be kept clean at all times.  
A.5.2.6  Roadways and yards in the immediate vicinity of and serving the premises should be kept clean.  
A.5.3  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 esta blishment 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 clean ing personnel should be well trained in cleaning techniques.  
A.5.4  Storage and disposal of waste  
Waste material should be handled in such a manner as to avoid contamination of packaged drinking water . 
Care should be taken to prevent access to waste by pest s. Waste should be removed from packaged drinking 
water  handling and other working areas as often as necessary and at least daily. Immediately after disposal of 
the waste, receptables 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.5.5  Exclusion of animals  
Animals that are uncontrolled or that could be a hazard to health should be excluded from establishments.  
A.5.6  Pest contro l 
A.5.6.1  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.5.6.2  Should pests gain entrance to the establishment, eradication me asures should be instituted. 
Control measures involving treatment with chemical, physical or biological agents should only be undertaken 
by or under direct supervision of personnel who have a thorough understanding of the potential hazards to 
health result ing from the use of these agents, including those hazards which may arise from residues retained 
in the packaged drinking water , such measures should only be carried out in accordance with the 
recommendations of the official agency having jurisdiction.  
A.5.6.3 Pesticides should only be used if other precautionary measures cannot be used effectively. 
Before pesticides are applied, care should be taken to safeguard packaged drinking water equipment and  
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  19 
 utensils from contamination. After application, contamina ted equipment and utensils should be thoroughly 
cleaned to remove residues prior to being used again.  
A.5.7  Storage of hazardous substances  
A.5.7.1  Pesticides or other substances, which may present a hazard to health, should be suitably labeled 
with a warn ing 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 
packaged drinking water . 
A.5.7.2  Except when necessary for hygienic or processing purposes, no substance which could 
contaminate packaged drinking water should be used or stored in packaged drinking water hand ling areas.  
A.5.8  Personal effects and clothing  
Personal effects and clothing should not be deposited in packaged drinking water handling areas.  
A.6 Personnel hygiene and health requirements  
A.6.1  Hygiene training  
Managers of establishments should arrange for adequate and continuing straining of all packaged drinking 
water in hygienic handling of natural mineral water and in personal hygiene so that they understand the 
precautions necessary to prevent contamination of packaged drinking water . 
A.6.2  Medical examination  
Persons who come into contact with packaged drinking 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 b ecause of epidemiological considerations or the medical history of the 
prospective natural mineral water handler. Medical examination of packaged drinking water handlers should 
be carried out at other times when clinically or epidemiologically indicated.  
A.6.3 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 while afflicted with infected wounds, skin 
infectio ns, sores or with diarrhoea, is permitted to work in any packaged drinking water handling area in any 
capacity in which there is any likelihood of such a person directly or indirectly contaminating packaged 
drinking water with pathogenic micro -organisms. A ny person so affected should immediately report to the 
management.  
A.6.4  Injuries  
Any persons who has a cut or wound should not continue to handle packaged drinking water  contact surfaces 
until the injury is completely protected by a waterproof covering wh ich is firmly secured, and which is 
conspicuous in colour. Adequate first -aid facilities should be provided for this purpose.  
A.6.5  Washing of hands  
Every person, while on duty in a packaged drinking 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 mater ial, which might be capable of transmitting disease, hands  
20 © EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  
 should be washed and disinfected immediately. Notices requiring hand washing should be displayed. There 
should be adequate supervision to ensure compliance with this requirement . 
A.6.6  Personal cle anliness  
Every person engaged in packaged drinking 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 
head covering and footwear, al l 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 natural mineral water is manipulated by 
hand, any jewe llery that cannot be adequately disinfected should be removed from the hands. Personnel 
should not wear any insecure jewellery when engaged in handling of natural mineral water.  
A.6.7  Personal behavior  
Any beha vior, which could result in contamination of packaged drinking 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 
packaged drinking water handling areas.  
A.6.8 Visitors  
Precautions should be taken to prevent visitors to natural mineral water handling areas from contaminating the 
product. These may include the use of protective clothing. Visitors should observe the provisions 
recommended in A.5.8, A.6.3, A.6.4 a nd A.6.7 . 
A.6.9  Supervision  
Responsible for ensuring compliance by all personnel with all requirements of A.6.1 to A.6.8  inclusive should 
be specifically allocated to competent supervisory personnel.  
A.7 Establishment -hygienic processing requirements  
A.7.1  Raw material requirements  
To guarantee a good and stable quality of packaged drinking water , certain criteria should be monitored 
regularly, namely,  
A.7.1.1  Spring discharge, temperature of the packaged drinking water . 
A.7.1.2  Appearance of the packaged d rinking water . 
A.7.1.3  Odour and taste of the packaged drinking water . 
A.7.1.4  The conductance of packaged drinking water or any other adequate parameter.  
A.7.1.5  The microbiological flora.  
A.7.2  Should there be a perceptible lack in meeting the standards;  the necessary corrective measures are 
immediately to be taken.  
A.7.3  Treatment  
The treatment may include decantation, filtration, airing and where necessary application of off takes of 
carbon dioxide.  
A.7.3.1  Processing should be supervised by technically  competent personnel.   
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  21 
 A.7.3.2  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 spoilage micro -organisms.  
A.7.3.3  Rough treatment of containers should be avoided to prevent the possibility of contamination of the 
processed product.  
A.7.3.4  Treatment are necessary controls should be such as to protect against contamination or 
devel opment of a public health hazard and against deterioration within the limits of good commercial practice.  
A.7.4  Packaging material and containers  
A.7.4.1  All packaging material should be stored in a clean and hygienic manner. The material should be 
appropr iate 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.7.4.2  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.5.2.3.  Containers sho uld be well drained after rinsing. Used and, when necessary, unused 
containers should be inspected immediately before filling.  
A.7.5  Filling and sealing of containers  
A.7.5.1  Packaging should be done under conditions that preclude the introduction of conta minants into 
the product.  
A.7.5.2  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 natural m ineral water.  
A.7.6  Packaging of containers  
The packaging of containers should protect the latter from contamination and damage and allow appropriate 
handling and storing.  
A.7.7  Lot identification  
Each container shall be permanently marked in code or in c lear to identify the producing factory and the lot. A 
lot is quantity of natural 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 usuall y from a particular "line" 
or other critical processing unit.  
A.7.8  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 f or a period that exceeds the shelf life of the product. 
Records should also be kept of the initial distribution by lot.  
A.7.9  Storage and transport of the end product  
The end -product should be stored and transported under such conditions as will preclude c ontamination with 
and/or proliferation of micro -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 natural  
22 © EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  
 mineral water, which  is fit for human consumption, is dispatched and that end -product specifications should be 
complied with.  
  
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  23 
 Annex  B 
(normative)  
 
Sampling plan for mineral waters  
B.1 General requirements of sampling  
B.1.1  In drawing, preparing, storing and handling samples, 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 bottl e/container in original shall be sealed and marke d with full details of sampling.  
B.1.2  Scale of sampling  
B.1.2.1  Lot 
The quantity of pack aged mineral water s 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 material 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 sh all be 
according to Table B.1.  
Table B.1 — Scale of sampling  
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 2017  – 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 deals 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 the relevant specification if all the parameters 
are satisfied.   
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  25 
 Annex  C 
(informative)  
 
Water safety plans  
Note;  water safety plan shall be revised to be aligned to WHO guidelines for water safety. (to be 
check ed during public review). Action TC Secretary.  
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 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 conditio ns , 
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) measu res to ensure all installations intended for the production of drinking water exclude any possibility of 
contamination. For this purpose and in particular:  
i)  the installation for collection, the pipes and the reservoirs shall be made from materials suit ed 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 shall meet hygienic requirements;  
b) measures to ensure an appropriate treatment such as pre -treatment proces ses, 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 l imits have been set to define the operational effectiveness of the activity; frequency of monitoring 
and procedures for corrective action that can be implemented in response to deviation from limits. If, 
during production it is found that the water is poll uted, the producer shall stop all operations until the 
cause of pollution is eliminated; and a verification plan to ensure that individual components of a mineral -
water s system, and system as a whole is operating safely.   
26 © EAC 2017  – 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 effective planning and management; and a system of 
independent surveillance are basic and essential requirements to ensure the safety of mine ral water s.  
Surveillance shall cover the total supply network from the source of untreated water to the consumer delivery 
points.  
A sampling programme that takes into consideration appropriate international recommendations shall be 
established and implem ented. The sampling shall be regular and its frequency shall mainly depend on the 
following factors:  
a) quality of water harnessed 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 served; and  
g) capabilities of the analytical facility (both in terms of capacity and in terms of analytical performance) . 
 
 
 
  
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  27 
 Biblio graphy  
[1] Guidelines for drinking water quality, fourth edition 2011, WHO.  
[2] Codex Stan 108 Adopted 1981, A mended 2011, Code x standard for natural mineral waters.  EAS 153: 2014    
 
© EAC 2014  – All rights reserved