[Recommendations for changing microbiological examination parameters in filling bottled water to comply with the...

Microbiological Pollutions in Mineral, Spring and Table Waters have different potency according to health hazards or to noncompliance with good manufacturing practices. Therefore, the microbiological parameters of mineral water and table water directives should be reexamined for their suitability. Only Escherichia coli is an indicator of faecal pollution and therefore an indicator of health hazards. Enterobacteriaceae (coliform and noncoliform), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and elevated colony counts mainly suggest noncompliance with good manufacturing practices. Sulphite-reducing clostridia and faecal streptococci are worthless indicators at the moment because of inadequate analytical methods. In addition, investigations on Staphylococcus aureus are recommended at least for bottled waters which are declared to be suitable for the preparation of infant food. From this point of view, different procedures for penalty and marketing are also discussed.