UGANDA STANDARD  
  US EAS 13 
First  Edition  
2014-10-15 
 
 Reference number  
US EAS 13: 2014 
© UNBS 201 4 
  
Packaged natural mineral water — Specification  
 US EAS 13: 2014 
ii                © UNBS  2014 - 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 2014 
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 41 505 995 
Fax: 256 41 286 123 
E-mail: unbs@infocom.co.ug  
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  
 US EAS 13: 2014 
© UNBS  2014 - All rights reserved                iii National foreword 
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and 
Industry established under Cap 327 , of the Laws of Uganda. 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/SPS Agreements 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 Uganda Standard, US EAS 13: 2014, Packaged natu ral mineral water  — Specification , is identical with  
and has been reproduced from an East African  Standard , EAS 13: 2014, Packaged natu ral mineral water  — 
Specification , and adopted  as a Uganda Standard.  
This standard cancels and replaces US 43:2008, Packaged natural mineral waters – Specification, which has 
been technically revised 
 
Wherever the words, “ East African Standard" appear, they should be replaced by "Uganda Standard."  
   EAS 13: 2014 
ICS 13.060.20 
© EAC 2014                                                                                                                         Second Edition 2014  
 
EAST AFRICAN STANDARD 
Packaged natural mineral water — Specification 
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY EAS 13: 2014 
ii © EAC 2014 – 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 is 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 document 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 2014 — 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 persecuted EAS 13: 2014 
© EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents Page 
Foreword ............................................................................................................................................................  iv 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ............................................................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ...........................................................  3 
4 Requirements for natural mineral water  ................................ .............................................................  5 
5 Hygiene  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 8 
6 Packaging  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 9 
7 Labelling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 9 
8 Sampling requiremen ts................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 10 
9 Parameters required for minimum monitoring  ................................ ................................ ................. 11 
10 Sampling plan for packed water  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 11 
Annex A (normative)  Recommended hygienic practices ............................................................................ 13 
Annex B (normative)  Sampling plan for natural mineral water .................................................................. 24 
Annex C (normative)  Water safety plans ...................................................................................................... 26 
Annex D (normative)  Surveillance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 27 
Bibliography ...................................................................................................................................................... 28 
 
 EAS 13: 2014 
iv © EAC 2014 – 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.  
In order to achieve this objective, the Community established 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 consumer 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 procedures 
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 implementing .  
EAS 13 was prepared by Technical Committee EASC/TC 075, Environment, Health and S afety . 
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (EAS 13: 2000), which has been technically revised. 
 EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  EAS 13: 201 4 
 
© EAC 201 4 – All rights reserved  1 
 Packaged natural mineral water — Specification 
1 Scope 
This East African Standard specifies the requirements and methods of test for packaged natural mineral water 
offered for human consumption. 
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, Standard test methods for filterable matter (total dissolved solids) and non-filterable matter 
(total suspended solids) in water  
EAS 38, Labelling of prepackaged foods — Specification  
EAS 39, Hygiene in the food and drink manufacturing industry — Code of practice 
ISO 10304 , Water quality -- Determination of dissolved anions by liquid chromatography of ions  
ISO 10359 , Water quality -- Determination 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 pyrocatechol 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  -- Determination 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) 
ISO 12020, Water quality -- Determination of aluminium — Atomic absorption spectrometric method  
ISO 12846, Water quality -- Determination of mercury -- Method using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) 
with and without enrichment 
ISO 13877, Soil quality -- Determination of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons -- Method using high -
performance liquid chromatography  EAS 13: 2014 
2 © EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  
 ISO 15089, Water quality -- Guidelines for selective immunoassays for the determination 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  
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 s pectrometric detection (GC -MS) 
ISO 4832, Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs -- Horizontal method for the enumeration of 
coliforms ━ Colony -count techniqu e 
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 the chemical oxygen demand 
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 the 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 6785, Milk and milk products -- Detection of Salmonella spp. 
ISO 6888- 1, Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs -- Horizontal method for the enumeration of 
coagulass-positive staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus and other species) — Part 1: Technique using 
Baird-Parker agar medium  
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 
ISO 7890, Water quality -- Determination of nitrate -- Part 3: Spectrometric method using sulfosalicylic acid  EAS 13: 2014 
© EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  3 
 ISO 7899-2, Water quality -- Detection and enumeration of intestinal 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 quality -- 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 enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria Part 1: 
Membrane filtration 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- 1, Water quality -- Determination of sodium and potassium — Part 1: Determination of sodium by 
atomic absorption spectrometry 
ISO 9965, Water quality -- Determination of selenium -- Atomic absorption spectrometric method (hydride 
technique)  
3 Terms and definitions 
For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions shall apply. 
3.1 
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 
3.2 
natural mineral water 
is water that with regard to the source: 
a) is characterized by its content of certain mineral salts and their relative proportions and the presence 
of trace elements of other constituents; 
b) is obtained directly from natural or drilled sources from underground water-bearing strata; 
c) has constancy of composition, stability of discharge and temperature, taking account of cycles of 
natural fluctuations; 
d) is collected under conditions which guarantee its original bacteriological purity and chemical 
composition of essential components; 
e) is not subjected to any treatment other than physical treatment described in 4.1.2; EAS 13: 2014 
4 © EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  
 f) is water that shall be inspected and approved by an authorized body before it is licensed for 
exploitation;  
g) is in conformity with all provisions specified in this standard; and 
h) is packaged at source or close to the point of emergence of the source with particular hygienic 
precautions. 
NOTE  
3.3 
source of natural mineral water 
the source shall be the point at which natural mineral water is tapped 
3.4 
container 
any bottle, carton, can or other container to be filled with natural mineral water, properly labelled and intended  
for sale  
3.5 
adequate 
sufficient to accomplish the intended purpose of this standard 
3.6 
cleaning 
the removal of soil, food residues, dirt, grease or other objectionable matter 
3.7 
contamination 
the occurrence of any objectionable matter in the product 
3.9 
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  
3.10 
handling of natural mineral water  
any manipulation with regard to collecting, treating, bottling, packaging, storing, transporting, distributing and  
selling natural minera l water  
3.11 
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 consumption  
3.12 
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.  
3.13 
pests 
any animals capable of, directly or indirectly, contaminating natural mineral water 
3.14 
aquifers  
any solid permeable mass of rocks (layer) containing natural mineral water EAS 13: 2014 
© EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  5 
 3.15 
spring 
any natural mineral water discharging genuinely from the ground 
3.16 
supplementary definitions 
 
3.16.1 
naturally carbonated natural mineral water 
is a natural mineral water, which is naturally carbonated from  source  without artificial carbonation  
3.16.2 
non-carbonated mineral water 
is mineral water, which by nature; and after possible treatment in accordance  with 4.1.2  and after packaging, 
does not contain free carbon dioxide in excess of the amount nec essary to  keep the hydrogen carbonate salts  
present in the water dissolved  
3.16.3 
decarbonated mineral water 
is mineral water, which after possible treatment in accordance with 4.1.2 and  after packaging has less c arbon 
dioxide than at emergence  
3.16.4 
artifi cially carbonated mineral water 
is mineral water, which after possible treatment in accordance with 4 .1.2 and before packaging has been 
made more effervescent by addition of carbon dioxide. This includes  sparkling, carbon dioxide forti fied and 
fizzling m ineral water  
4 Requirements for natural mineral water 
4.1 General requirements 
4.1.1  Authorization of source 
The source for natural mineral water shall be recognized and approved as such by the relevant Authority 
having jurisdiction in the place of collection and packaging. 
The natural mineral water shall be  packaged at source or close to the point of emergence of the source with 
particular hygienic precautions.  
NOTE The distance from the source to the establishment shall be determined by the relevant national authority. 
4.1.2  Treatment 
Treatment permitted includes separation from unsuitable constituents by filtration if necessary, accelerated by 
previous aeration and decantation. 
The treatment referred to above shall only be carried out on condition that the mineral content of the water is 
not modified in its essential constituents. EAS 13: 2014 
6 © EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  
 4.2 Specific requirements 
4.2.1  Physical requirements 
Packaged natural mineral water shall not have objectionable taste or odour to the consumers and shall be free 
from any foreign matter as stipulated in Table 1. 
4.2.2  Chemical requirements 
4.2.2.1  Packaged natural mineral water shall comply with the general chemical requirements as 
stipulated in Table 1. 
Table 1 — General physico-chemical requirements of natural mineral water 
 
Sl. No.  Substance  Limit  Test methods  
i.  Colour,  max. 15 true colour units  ISO 7887  
ii.  Turbidity, m ax. 1 NTU.  ISO 7027  
iii.  pH 6.0 - 8.5. ISO 10523  
iv.  Aluminium as A l3+, max . 0.1 mg/l  ISO 10566  
v.  Calcium as Ca2+, max.  250 mg/l  ISO 5961  
vi.  Chloride as Cl-, max.  250 mg/l ISO 9297  
vii.  Fluoride as F-, max . mg/l (See Note 1 and 2)  ISO 10359  
viii.  Iron as Fe2+, max . 0.3 mg/l  ISO 6332  
ix.  Magnesium as Mg2+, max.  100 mg/l  ISO 7980  
x.  Nitrate as NO 3- max.  50 mg/l ISO 7890  
xi.  Potassium as K+, max.  50 mg/l  ISO 9964  
xii.  Sodium as Na+, max . 200 mg/l  ISO 9964  
xiii.  Sulphate as SO 42-max. 400 (See Note 3)  ISO 10304  
xiv.  Sulphide as H 2S max . 0.05 mg/l  ISO 10530  
xv.  Total dissolved solids  250-1000 mg/l  ASTM D 5907  
NOTE 1  Packaged natural mineral water containing between 1.5 and 4 mg/l fluoride shall hav e a label ling declaration 
natural mineral water contains Fluoride included . 
NOTE  2 If the product contains more than 1.5 mg/l „‟the product not suitable for infants and children under the age of 
seven years‟‟ shall be declared on the label.  
NOTE 3  Package d natural mineral water containing between 200 and 400 mg/l sulphate shall have a labelling 
declaration `natural mineral water contains Sulphate' included.  
 
4.2.2.2 Limits of contaminants 
Packaged natural mineral water shall not contain inorganic contaminants in excess of limits indicated in Table 
2. 
 
 EAS 13: 2014 
© EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  7 
 Table 2 — Requirements for limits of inorganic contaminants in mineral water 
SL. No.  Substance  Limit, mg/L, 
max.  Methods of test  
(i) Ammonia as NH 3, 0.5  ISO 11732  
(ii) Arsenic as As,  0.01  ISO 11969  
(iii) Barium as Ba++, 0.7  ISO 11885  
(iv) Borate as B , 5  ISO11885  
(v) Cadmium as Cd,  0.003   ISO 5961  
(vi) Chromium as total  Cr,  0.005  ISO 9174  
(vii) Copper as Cu++, 1  ISO 8288  
(viii) Cyanide as CN-, 0.07  ISO6703  
(ix) Free Chlorine as Cl 2, Nil ISO 7 393 
(x) Iodine as I-, 1.0  - 
(xi) Lead as Pb,  0.01  ISO 8288  
(xii) Manganese as Mn++, 0.4  ISO 6333  
(xiii) Mercury as Hg,  0.001 ISO 12846  
(xiv) Nitrite as NO 2-, 0.1  ISO 6777  
(xv) Selenium as Se,  0.01  ISO 9965  
(xvi) Silver as Ag,  0.5  - 
(xvii) Zinc as Zn++, 5  ISO 8288  
(xviii)  Antimony as Sb,  0.02  ISO 11885  
(xix) Nickel as Ni,  0.02  ISO 8288  
 
4.2.2.3  Packaged natural mineral water shall comply with the requirements for organic contaminants 
indicated in Table 3. 
Table 3 — Requirements for limits of organic contaminants in packaged natural mineral water 
Sl. No  Substance  Limit  Methods of test  
(i) Benzene, max.  0.005 mg/l  ISO 11423  
(ii) Chlorinated hydrocarbons, max.  0.005 mg/l  - 
(iii) Dioxin  Absent  - 
(iv) Mineral oil  Absent  - 
(v) Organic matt er 3 mg/l (as O 2) - 
(vi) Pesticides and PCBs  Absent  ISO 15089  
(vii) Phenols  Absent  ISO 8165  
(viii) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons max.  0.2 µg/l  ISO 28540  
(ix) polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons  Absent  ISO 13877  
(x) Surfactants (reacting with methylen e blue), max.  0.2 mg/l  ISO 16265  
(xi) Total trihalomethanes, max.  0.1 mg/l  - 
(xii) Anionic surfactant (reacting with methylene blue)  Absent  ISO 7875  
 EAS 13: 2014 
8 © EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  
 4.2.2.4  Packaged natural mineral water shall comply with the requirements of radioactive matter 
indicated in Table 4 below: 
Table 4 —  Requirements of radioactive matter in natural mineral 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  
 
4.2.2.5  Packaged natural mineral water shall not have any sediment or suspended matter during its shelf 
life. 
4.2.2.6  Packaged natural mineral water shall not contain any organic or inorganic substances at a level 
injurious to health. 
5 Hygiene 
5.1 Packaged natural mineral water shall be collected, processed, packaged, and marketed under hygienic 
conditions described in Annex A. 
5.2 The source of natural mineral water shall be protected from risks of pollution. 
5.3 Packaged natural mineral water shall comply with the microbiological requirements given in Table 5. 
Table 5 — Microbiological requirements for packaged natural 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 in 100 mL  Absent  ISO 4832  
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 6461 -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  
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. 
 EAS 13: 2014 
© EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  9 
 6 Packaging 
6.1 The product shall be packed in scaled retail containers suitable for preventing the possible adulteration 
or contamination of water and shall be in accordance with environmental requirements of the EAC partner 
states. 
6.2 The package shall be made from food grade material and strong enough to withstand normal handling 
and transportation  
7 Labelling 
In addition to EAS 38, the following provisions shall apply. 
7.1 The name of the product 
7.1.1  The name of the product shall be;  
a) Natural mineral water.  
b) Spring water  
7.1.2  The designation “naturally carbonated natural mineral water” may be used only if the content of 
carbon dioxide from the source is the same as at emergence. 
7.1.3  The designation “non -carbonated natural mineral water” may be used only if by nature the natural 
mineral water does not contain free carbon dioxide. 
7.1.4  The designation “decarbonated natural mineral water” shall be used if the content of carbon dioxide in 
the natural mineral water is less than that at emergence. 
7.1.5  The designation “carbonated natural mineral water” shall be used if there has been an additio n of 
carbon dioxide from another origin. 
7.2 Net contents 
The net contents shall be declared by volume in the metric system (S.I units), avoirdupois or both systems of 
measurement, as required by the country in which the product is sold. 
7.3 Additional labelling requirements 
7.3.1  The  following term shall appear on the label as part of, on in close proximity, to the name of the 
product or in an otherwise prominent position: "may be laxative" where the product contains more than 600 
mg/l sulphate other than calcium sulphate. 
7.3.2  If a packaged natural mineral water has been submitted to a treatment in accordance with sub-
section, the treatment shall be declared on the label. 
7.4 Labeling prohibitions 
7.4.1  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. 
7.4.2  The name of the locality, hamlet or specified place may not form part of the trade name unless it 
refers to a natural mineral water collected at the place designated by that trade name. EAS 13: 2014 
10 © EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  
 7.4.3  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 natural mineral 
water put on sale, is prohibited. 
7.5 Optional labelling 
7.5.1  The following terms, descriptive of particular properties of the product, may appear on the label as 
part of, or in close proximity to, the name of the product or in an otherwise prominent position, provided that 
conditions specified are adhered to: 
a) "Alkaline": where the product contains more than 600 mg/l HCO 3; 
b) "Acidulous": where the product contains more than 250 mg/l free carbon dioxide; 
c) "Saline": where the product contains more than 1000 mg/l NaCl; 
d) "Contains Fluorine": where the product contains more than 1 mg/l F; 
e) "Contains Irons": where the product contains more than 5 mg/l Fe; 
f) "Contains Iodine": where the product contains more than 1 mg/l I; 
g) "May be Diuretic": where the product contains more than 1000 mg/l total dissolved solids or 600 mg/l 
HCO 3-; 
h) Trade name; 
I) The date of the authorization to commence collection and production; and 
j) The results of analysis of the water wither as it emerges at the source, including a statement of any 
treatment, or of the results of analysis of the water in the container. 
8 Sampling requirements  
A formal sampling programme shall be established and implemented. In the absence of a formally established 
sampling programme, the minimum sampling frequency given in Table 6 shall be used as an interim measure.  
Table 6 — Minimum frequency of sampling of water for surveillance 
Population served  Frequency * (minimum) of samplin g  
> 100 000  10 samples every month per 100 000 of population 
served  
25 001 – 100 000  10 samples every month  
10 001 – 25 000  3 samples every month  
2 500 – 10 000  2 samples every month  
< 2 500  1 sample every month  
* During the rainy season, sampling should be carried out more frequently .  
 EAS 13: 2014 
© EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  11 
 9 Parameters required 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, Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7 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 — Physico -chemical and microbiological parameters required for minimum 
monitoring  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If abnormal results are encountered in any of these analyses, sampling frequency shall be increased and/or 
additional analyses carried out. 
NOTE A consumer complaints register for the aesthetic qualities of the water should be maintained. 
10 Sampling plan for pack aged natural mineral water 
10.1  In drawing, preparing, storing and handling samples, the following precautions and directions shall be 
observed as far as possible: 
a) Sample shall be drawn in original sealed bottle/container and kept in protected place not exposed to 
damp air, dust or soot; 
b) Each bottle/container in original shall be sealed and marked with full details of sampling; Property  Methods of test  
Physicochemical : 
Conductivity, or dissolved solids  
Colour  
Turbidity;  
Taste  
Odour  See Table 1  
 
 
 
Microbiological:  
Faecal coliform bacteria or E. coli ; 
Shigella  spp 
Salmonella spp  See Table 5  
 
Chemical:  
Fluoride as F- 
Nitrate  
Nitrite  
pH value  
Aluminum  
Iron(total)  
Ammonia  
Residual chlorine  See Table 3  EAS 13: 2014 
12 © EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  
 10.2  The quantity of packed water of the same type belonging to the same batch of manufacture and packed 
in a day shall constitute a lot. 
10.3  For ascertaining the conformity of the material to the requirements of the specification, samples shall be 
tested from each lot separately. 
10.4  The number of containers to be selected from a lot shall depend on the size of the lot and shall be 
according to Table 8. 
Table 8 —  Sampling plan 
No. of containers in the Lot (L)  Sample size(number of containers)  
L ≤ 5000  3 
5000 < L ≤ 10000  5 
10000 < L ≤ 15000  7 
L> 15000  9 
 EAS 13: 2014 
© EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  13 
 Annex A 
(normative)  
 
Recommended hygienic practices 
A.1 Field of application  
This code prescribes appropriate general techniques for collecting natural mineral 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 natural mineral water 
A.3.1 Protection of Alimentary Reservoirs and Aquifers 
A.3.1.1 Authorization 
Natural mineral 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 natural mineral water 
As far as it is methodologically possible in each case, a precise analysis should be carried out on the origin of 
natural 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 natural mineral water 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.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 natural mineral water 
It is recommended that regulations be established for the disposal of liquid, solid or gaseous waste, the use o f 
substances that might deteriorate natural mineral water (e.g. by agriculture) as well as for any possibility of 
accidental deterioration of natural mineral water 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 engineering facilities etc. EAS 13: 2014 
14 © EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  
 A.3.2 Hygiene prescriptions for collection of natural mineral water 
A.3.2.1 Extraction 
The withdrawal of natural mineral water (from springs, galleries, genuine or drilled wells) must be performed in 
conformity with the hydrogeological conditions in such a manner as to prevent any other than the natural 
mineral water from entering or, should there be pumping facilities, prevent any extraneous water from entering 
by reducing the supply. The natural mineral 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 coming into contact with natural mineral water and used for its 
collection should be made of such material as to guarantee that are original qualities of natural mineral 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. enclosure).  Any use not aiming at the collection of 
natural mineral water 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 quality of 
the natural mineral water should periodically be checked. To control the stability of the chemical and physical 
particulars of the natural mineral water 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 dioxide) or frequent partial analysis should be done. 
A.3.3 Maintenance of extraction facilities 
A.3.3.1 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 natural mineral 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 natural mineral water should be constructed and maintained 
in order to minimize all hazards to human health and to avoid contamination. 
A.3.3.3 Storage at the point of extraction 
The quantity of natural mineral water stored at the point of extraction should be as low as possible. The 
storing should furthermore guarantee protection against contamination or deterioration. 
A.3.4 Transport of natural mineral water within an establishment and from the source 
Packaging at the source is preferred .  EAS 13: 2014 
© EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  15 
 A.3.4.1 Means of transport, piping and reservoirs  
Any vehicle, piping or reservoir used in the processing of natural mineral 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, servicing 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 natural mineral water and of deterioration of the essential qualities of 
natural mineral water. 
A.4 Establishment for processing natural mineral waters — Design and facilities 
A.4.1 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.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 of road users to the existence of natural 
mineral water extraction area. 
A.4.3 Building and facilities 
A.4.3.1 Type of construction 
Buildings and facilities should be of sound construction 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 additions, which come into contact with natural mineral water, 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 natural mineral 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 cause 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 natural mineral water at the premises to the finished 
product, and should provide for appropriate temperature conditions for the process and the product. EAS 13: 2014 
16 © EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  
 A.4.3.7 Natural mineral 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 between 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 easy 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 
windowsills, 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, 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.4.3.7.7 Piping 
Piping for natural water lines should be independent of potable and non-potable water. 
A.4.3.8 In natural mineral water handling areas all overhead structures and fittings should be installed in 
such a manner as to avoid contamination directly or indirectly of natural mineral water 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 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 natural mineral water 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 EAS 13: 2014 
© EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  17 
 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.4.3.13 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 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 facilities 
A.4.4.1 Water supply 
A.4.4.1.1 Ample supply of potable water under adequate pressure and suitable temperature should be 
available with adequate facilities for its storage, where necessary, and distribution with adequate protection 
against contamination. 
A.4.4.1.2 Natural mineral water, 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 natural mineral water and natural mineral 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 disposal 
Establishments should have an efficient effluent and waste disposal system, which should at all times 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.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 designed 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 natural 
mineral water handling areas. 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.  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. Taps 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 should 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 be 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 constructed of corrosion resistant materials, capable of being EAS 13: 2014 
18 © EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  
 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 areas. 
Light bulbs and fixtures suspended over natural mineral water in any stage of production should be of a safer 
type and protected to prevent contamination of natural mineral water in case of breakage. 
A.4.4.7 Ventilation 
Adequate ventilation should be provided to prevent 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-corrodible 
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 facilities should be designed to prevent access to waste or inedible material by pests 
and to avoid contamination of natural mineral water, potable water, equipment, buildings or roadways on the 
premises . 
A.4.5 Equipment and utensils 
A.4.5.1 Materials 
All equipment and utensils used in natural mineral water handling areas and which may contact 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 except 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. 
A.4.5.2 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.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 in good repair and in an orderly condition. As far as practicable, rooms should be kept 
protected from steam, vapour and surplus water. EAS 13: 2014 
© EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  19 
 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 natural mineral 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 natural mineral 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 natural mineral water, should be removed by thorough rinsing with water, before they are 
or equipment is again used for handling natural mineral 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 natural mineral 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 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.5.4 Storage and disposal of waste 
Waste material should be handled in such a manner as to avoid contamination of natural mineral water or 
potable water. Care should be taken to prevent access to waste by pests. Waste should be removed from the 
natural mineral 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 control 
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 measures 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 resulting from the use of these agents, including those hazards which may arise from residues retained 
in the natural mineral 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 natural mineral water equipment and utensils EAS 13: 2014 
20 © EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  
 from contamination. After application, contaminated 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 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 natural 
mineral water. 
A.5.7.2  Except when necessary for hygienic or processing purposes, no substance which could 
contaminate natural mineral water should be used or stored in natural mineral water handling areas. 
A.5.8 Personal effects and clothing 
Personal effects and clothing should not be deposited in natural mineral 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 natural mineral 
handlers in hygienic handling of natural mineral water and in personal hygiene so that they understand the 
precautions necessary to prevent contamination of natural mineral water. 
A.6.2 Medical examination 
Persons who come into contact with natural mineral water in the course of their work should have a schedule d 
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 natural mineral 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 
infections, sores or with diarrhoea, is permitted to work in any natural mineral water handling area in any 
capacity in which there is any likelihood of such a person directly or indirectly contaminating natural mineral 
water with pathogenic micro-organisms. Any 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 natural mineral water or natural miner 
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.6.5 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 EAS 13: 2014 
© EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  21 
 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 cleanliness 
Every person engaged in a natural 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 
head 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 natural 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 natural mineral water. 
A.6.7 Personal behavior 
Any behavior, which could result in contamination of natural 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 
natural mineral 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 paragraph A.5.8, A.6.3, A.6.4 and 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 natural mineral water, certain criteria should be monitored regularly, 
namely, 
A.7.1.1 Spring discharge, temperature of the natural mineral water. 
A.7.1.2 Appearance of the natural mineral water. 
A.7.1.3 Odour and taste of the natural mineral water. 
A.7.1.4 The conductance of natural mineral 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. EAS 13: 2014 
22 © EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  
 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 
development 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 
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.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, should be 
cleaned and disinfected. When chemicals are used for these purposes, the container should be rinsed as 
prescribed under A.5.2.3. Containers should 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 contaminants 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 mineral 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 clear 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 usually 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 for 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 contamination 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 EAS 13: 2014 
© EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  23 
 mineral water, which is fit for human consumption, is dispatched and that end-product specifications should be 
complied with. 
 EAS 13: 2014 
24 © EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  
 Annex B  
(normative) 
 
Sampling plan for natural mineral water 
B.1 General requirements of sampling 
B.1.1  In drawing, preparing, storing and handling samples, the following precautions and directions shall be 
observed as far as possible: 
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 in original shall be sealed and marked with full details of sampling. 
B.1.2 Scale of sampling 
B.1.2.1 Lot 
The quantity of packed mineral water 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 shall 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 ra ndomization 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 cartons 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 satisfactory 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. EAS 13: 2014 
© EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  25 
 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 obtain 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 sampling. 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. EAS 13: 2014 
26 © EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  
 Annex C 
(normative)  
 
Water safety plans 
C.1 Packaged natural mineral water 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 drinking-water 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 drinking 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 particular:  
• 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 
• the equipment and  its use for production shall 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 be 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 components of a drinking -
water system, and system as a whole is operating safely.  EAS 13: 2014 
© EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  27 
 Annex D 
(normative) 
 
Surveillance 
D.1 General surveillance requirements  
Drinking-water producers should 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 drinking-water.  
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 implemented. 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). 
 EAS 13: 2014 
28 © EAC 2014 – All rights reserved  
 Bibliography 
[1] Guidelines for drinking water quality, fourth edition 2011, WHO. 
[2] Codex Stan 108 Adopted 1981, Amended 2011, Codex standard for natural mineral waters. 
 EAS 13: 20 14   
 
© EAC 2014  – All rights reserved