Why do drinking and mineral water have an expiration date?

Before reaching our table, water extracted from artesian wells undergoes a multi-stage procedure of disinfection and purification from various impurities and particles. The drinking water is then sent to bottling plants, where it is bottled and sold.

Article on the topic From tuberculosis to hysteria. What diseases were treated with water and was it successful? Drinking water itself does not have an expiration date, unlike the container in which it is stored. After some time, plastic containers begin to release various chemicals, which affects the taste and safety of the product. This does not mean that the water will immediately become toxic, but that it will gradually lose its freshness and may eventually bloom. It is believed that water in glass bottles retains its taste longer.

In law

The law regulates quality using standards:

1. GOST R 51232-98 “Drinking. General requirements for the organization and methods of quality control" contains a list of chemical elements and their permissible concentrations.
2. GOST R 54316-2011 “Natural drinking minerals. General technical conditions" lists the requirements for quality and concentration of substances.
3. GOST R 52501-2005 (ISO 3696:1987) “For laboratory analysis. Technical conditions".
4. SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 “Drinking. Hygienic requirements for centralized drinking water supply systems. Quality control and system safety assurance.”

How is drinking water different from mineral water?

All water available for purchase can be divided into two large categories - drinking and mineral. The main differences between the categories are:

• Deposits - drinking water is extracted from surface and underground sources, and mineral water is extracted exclusively from underground sources, making it much cleaner.
• Purpose - the dining room is used for everyday quenching of thirst, as well as cooking, and the mineral one is used only for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. Long-term intake of liquids such as Narzan can lead to an imbalance in the body due to oversaturation with certain micro- and macroelements.
• The degree of mineralization - for drinking water it is 2 g per liter, and for mineral water it is from 8 to 10 grams per liter.

Marking

The marking is indicated on the label and contains the information:

Dear readers! To solve your problem right now, get a free consultation

— contact the lawyer on duty in the online chat on the right or call: +7 (499) 938 6124 — Moscow and region.
+7 (812) 425 6761 — St. Petersburg and region. 8 (800) 350 8362 - Other regions of the Russian Federation You will not need to waste your time and nerves
- an experienced lawyer will solve all your problems!

• Name;
• carbonated or non-carbonated;
• group of mineral water, which is determined based on the composition and region of production (hydrocarbonate magnesium-calcium, hydrocarbonate sodium, sulfate-bicarbonate magnesium-sodium). Affiliation is determined by special laboratories;
• well number, field name;
• details of the company that handled the spill;
• volume;
• purpose (dining room, medical);
• mineralization;
• storage conditions;
• spill date;
• ionic composition, concentration of biologically active substances;
• medical indications for use;
• document to which it corresponds.

For example, Essentuki-4 is a natural medicinal table chloride-hydrocarbon sodium, boric (salt-alkaline) drinking mineral water of medium mineralization.

See also:

Before reaching our table, water extracted from artesian wells* undergoes a multi-stage disinfection procedure and purification from various impurities and particles. The drinking water is then sent to bottling plants, where it is bottled and sold.

Drinking water itself does not have an expiration date, unlike the container in which it is stored. After some time, plastic containers begin to release various chemicals, which affects the taste and safety of the product. This does not mean that the water will immediately become toxic, but that it will gradually lose its freshness and may eventually bloom. It is believed that water in glass bottles retains its taste longer.

Timing and types

— Do they write the water quality category on the bottles?

— Sanitary standards and rules for the quality of packaged drinking water came into force in 2002. Those certificates that were issued before this time will be valid until the end of their term (usually 3-5 years), which means that the manufacturer cannot always indicate which category his water belongs to.

According to the new rules, it is required to indicate the composition of drinking water - whether it is fluoridated or not, how much calcium, magnesium, etc.

— How to distinguish adulterated water from real water? Or is no one immune from this?

— A sloppy label, traces of glue on the bottle, dirty, irregularly shaped containers, and sediment in the bottle should alert you. Appearance plays a role, but not the main one: only a laboratory analysis of the water can give an exact answer to the question of what’s in the bottle.

Differences

Bottled is a liquid of different purposes, bottled for ease of sale through retail chains. May be:

1. Drinking. It is actively purchased by commercial and government organizations, and children's institutions where it is not possible to install a stationary filter for cleaning. For 19-liter models, a cooler is used - an easy-to-use device that does not require special maintenance.
2. Carbonated.
3. Mineral.
4. Distilled. Obtained by distillation through a special apparatus. This is a liquid purified from salts and microelements, with properties similar to melt water from mountain peaks. Used for drinking and in industry.
5. Deionized. Purified from impurity ions, it is considered one of the safest varieties, but may contain non-ionic components.

Bottled is bottled in volumes from 0.33 to 19 liters. The material can be glass or plastic. The latter has a significant impact on the shelf life of the contents. It deteriorates and begins to release dangerous chemicals.

IMPORTANT! Microplastic particles, along with liquid, enter the body, producing a toxic and carcinogenic effect. Therefore, it is recommended to strictly adhere to the temporary standards indicated by the manufacturer.

Mineral water is considered more useful, enriched with salts, biologically active components, and microelements. Divided by:

1. Dining room. Can be consumed daily, sometimes with the addition of flavor accents, such as lemon.
2. Medicinal. The composition is intended for the treatment of certain diseases. Must be used as prescribed by a doctor.
3. For external use. Used for baths, inhalations, irrigation, rinsing during spa treatment.

Each of them has a specific shelf life set by the manufacturer from 3 to 24 months. If the conditions are met, all properties correspond to the original ones.

IMPORTANT! Long-term storage leads to denaturation of the liquid, that is, a change in taste and properties.

The key is extracted directly from a healing source during a stay at a sanatorium-resort treatment. It is not recommended to store it, as it is rich in microelements and minerals, flows in the natural environment and is an excellent breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms. Industrially, it is pumped and bottled in sealed bottles. Since interaction with the external environment is limited, the benefits last longer.

Boiled - water that has been disinfected under the influence of high temperatures during boiling, for example in a kettle. It is important to understand that in addition to microbes and bacteria, beneficial substances also die. Therefore, after boiling it acquires neutral properties.

Purified water means water that has passed through a filter or treatment plant. They can be installed directly on the apartment’s water supply system or used separately. They are adapted for chemical and mechanical purification of liquids. Cartridges must be changed regularly to ensure proper cleaning.

Water for injection is sold in pharmacies and is a sterile liquid without color, smell, or taste. It is used to dilute medications, powders, and moisten the material for dressings and washing wounds. It is bottled in ampoules and bottles, packed in cardboard boxes. Use beyond the established storage period is unacceptable, as the sterile properties may be lost. The period is 4 years.

How much can you drink per day

After the type of drink has been individually selected, it is necessary to decide on the amount that will have the desired positive effect.

Regular table drinking water is allowed in the amount of 500 ml per day for a person, provided there are no serious diseases. The permissible amount of medicinal and medicinal-table mineral water is prescribed by the doctor.

It is best to drink mineralized liquid an hour before meals; this is an individual parameter.

It is strongly not recommended to consume mineral water immediately after a meal, since the beneficial elements it contains will not be absorbed properly.

Storage

In order for water to remain good for as long as possible, storage rules must be followed.

Bottled bottles must be protected from direct sunlight and heating devices, since storage at temperatures above 30 °C accelerates the process of deterioration of plastic containers and their contents. The optimal temperature range is +5…20 °C. You also need to screw the lid tightly.

It is better to keep it open on the refrigerator shelf, since at room temperature after a few hours it will acquire an unpleasant taste and a musty smell.

As for water for injection, special requirements are imposed on its content, since it interacts with medications. It should be kept in the original packaging, in a dark, cool place.

Shelf life of holy water

It is generally accepted that water becomes holy only once a year - January 19, on the eve of the feast of Epiphany. However, this is not at all true, priests can bless water at any time, regardless of the date, just on the holiday itself, this is of a more widespread nature. Holy water is called agiasma (Greek agiasma

- a shrine;), you can either drink it or wash your body and face with it. Many people take a teaspoon of it as a drink every day, throughout the year. According to legend, this procedure allows you to be healthy and cheerful all year long, because along with water a person receives a piece of God’s gift.

To store holy water, you can use either glass or plastic bottles or metal ones, but it is advisable to boil them before use. It is necessary that the walls of the storage vessel do not allow sunlight to pass through. The shelf life of holy water is unlimited, but it is better to use it within a year, until the next feast of Epiphany, and then replenish your water supplies.

Holy water has a unique structure, so it must be stored away from sources of electromagnetic radiation (phone, TV, computer, etc.). The ideal place to store holy water would be a room in which there are icons and church music is playing. It is not recommended to mix holy water with regular tap water, as this quickly deteriorates (a greenish tint and an unpleasant musty smell appear) and loses its healing properties.

Heavy metals

No more than 0.00001%.

The determination is carried out using one of the given methods.

Method 1 . Place 10 ml of purified water under test in a test tube with a diameter of about 1.5 cm, add 1 ml of acetic acid diluted 30%, 2 drops of 2% sodium sulfide solution and mix. After 1 minute, observe the change in the color of the solution along the axis of the test tube placed on a white surface. There should be no staining.

Method 2. 120 ml of purified water is evaporated to a volume of 20 ml. The remaining water after evaporation in a volume of 10 ml must withstand the test for heavy metals (General Pharmacopoeia Monograph “Heavy Metals”) using a standard solution containing 1 ml of a standard solution of lead ion (5 µg/ml) and 9 ml of purified test water.

Note. A standard solution of lead ion (5 µg/ml) is prepared by diluting a standard solution of lead ion (100 µg/ml) with purified test water.

Is it safe to drink water after the expiration date?

pexels.com

You must understand that using any products after their expiration date = taking on great responsibility. If your motto in this matter literally sounds like: those who don’t take risks, don’t drink... Well, pay attention to the following details:

1. Bottled water should not have any odor. If you feel it, bacteria have been introduced into the water, and you can no longer drink it.
2. If you feel a musty or metallic taste in the water, alas, it is also spoiled.
3. If foam has formed on the water, naturally you cannot drink it. This means that dirt, microorganisms or rust have entered it.
4. The same thing happened with water if it became cloudy.

In all of the above cases, you should absolutely not drink water. Of course, you won’t become a baby goat, but it can be dangerous for the gastrointestinal tract. For example, such experiments can threaten poisoning, or even the development of pathological processes in the body.

The benefits and harms of mineral water for the body. Types of mineral water

More than half of the human body consists of water. Therefore, to maintain the healthy functioning of all organs and systems, it is necessary to maintain water balance. For this purpose, the best way is to drink 1.5-2 liters of high-quality water per day. Every milliliter you drink contributes to vital processes, which helps maintain health, beauty and youth. Many people prefer mineral water, despite the fact that there have been debates about its harms and benefits for decades.

Microbiological purity

The total number of aerobic microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) is not more than 100 CFU per 1 ml. The presence of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 100 ml is not allowed.

To analyze the microbiological purity of purified water, a sample in a volume of at least 1000 ml is taken.

The study is carried out by membrane filtration under aseptic conditions in accordance with the methods of the General Pharmacopoeia Monograph “Microbiological purity”, clause 12.

Rules for safe storage of bottled water

Plastic is not the best type of container for storage, but since pouring such volumes of liquid anywhere is problematic, it is important to simply follow a number of simple rules.

Immediately check the labeling on the bottle - it must be made from a non-toxic type of plastic (polyethylene terephthalate, PET(E)). In such a bottle, water can be stored from 6-8 months to a year, so do not forget to check the bottling date (usually indicated on the lid shell.

Most manufacturers recommend storing an opened bottle for no more than a week, at a temperature of no more than 20-25°C. Direct exposure to sunlight, proximity to batteries, electric radiators and other heat sources should be avoided.

When installing a water cooler, it is better to choose a place away from windows and other places through which sunlight enters the room. A few minutes a day will not change anything, but many hours of exposure can lead to exceeding the maximum storage temperature and cause various processes in the plastic, the results of which end up in the water.

Under no circumstances should plastic bottles labeled PVC be stored in the sun, much less heated. This is a toxic compound that, if it enters the human body, can cause serious harm.

If you prefer to drink boiled water, it is better to store it under a lid in a small enamel container. Spring water can be stored well in a cool room in glass or clay containers (up to three years). Before drinking, it is better to boil such water properly, just in case.

Plastic is not the best type of container for storage, but since pouring such volumes of liquid anywhere is problematic, it is important to simply follow a number of simple rules.

How long can you store water from a source?

At the main bases, bottles are stored in basements, in a horizontal position, at a constant positive temperature within 5-10°, but not more than 15°. When stored in an upright position for a long time, the bottle caps dry out, the gas evaporates, and the water may deteriorate. To avoid this at home, bottles should be stored in a cool place horizontally or upside down in boxes. An opened bottle, if there is still water left in it, should be sealed with a simple cork or rubber stopper.

Under conditions of proper bottling and proper storage, the basic chemical properties of natural bottled mineral waters are preserved for a very long time (months and even years). Therefore, they can be used for medicinal purposes long after they have been bottled. This is evidenced by more than a century of successful out-of-resort treatment with bottled waters.

Here are the main signs of well-preserved bottled water: the water is clean, contains a lot of gas, tastes good, and does not have a bad smell. Spoiled water is cloudy in appearance, contains flakes, and has a bad taste and smell. At the bottom of the bottle there is often an abundant red-colored sediment associated with the precipitation of salts. This water is not suitable for consumption. This is a bottling defect or the result of poor storage.

• It is better to store water in glass. In plastic, it quickly begins to change its structure and deteriorate.
• Avoid direct sunlight, but you shouldn’t leave it in a dark basement either. The ideal environment is soft, diffused light.
• Do not leave bottled water in a warm room. At temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius, microorganisms and bacteria quickly begin to multiply in it.

The optimal storage period for pure spring water is 6-7 days. But you shouldn’t boil it. This will “kill” all its beneficial properties and change the structure.

Mineral water wholesale from the manufacturer will provide a supply of vital microelements and substances. Water from the Okovetsky spring heals, restores youth, fills you with strength and takes care of your well-being.

An opened bottle of mineral spring water can be stored for no more than 7 days, but if closed, sealed, it can be stored for years without losing its properties.

Order drinking water in bulk and provide your entire family with the necessary supply of vital energy.

Water in plastic bottles should be stored in a dark place at a temperature of 20-30 degrees.

How long you can store water in a plastic bottle depends on the quality of the water itself and the manufacturer who preserves the water at the bottling stage. Average shelf life ranges from 6-12 months, but if the bottle is opened, it can last no more than 5-7 days.

It would be correct if, when purchasing water in plastic bottles, they pay attention to the bottling date, because the “fresh” the water, the longer it can be stored.

Modern technologies allow mineral water producers to bottle it under optimal conditions into environmentally friendly containers. At the same time, its healing properties are preserved for a long time. This drink can be stored in glass for years. In plastic specially treated with this gap – several months. To confirm this, there is a practice of treating with mineral water outside the resort conditions.

The main signs confirming the correct preservation of water in plastic containers are as follows:

• the liquid is not cloudy, without flakes at the bottom;
• has a pleasant specific taste;
• There is a slight odor of iodine or no odor at all.

If there is a red sediment at the bottom, the drink is spoiled.

The human body tries to maintain balance. The acid and alkali in it must be in balance. But modern food and drinks increase acidity, adversely affecting the digestive process. You can buy wholesale water from the manufacturer, which has an optimal acid-base balance and is saturated with many useful microelements, on the website.

It depends more on the saturation of the water with microelements on which microbes grow, storage conditions, and not on the time of collecting water or all sorts of holy manipulations. If you make agar from Epiphany water, you will never be able to prevent the growth of bacteria. Unless it is Epiphany heavy water from a nuclear reactor and is stored under a switched on ultraviolet lamp.

Properties of mineral water "Obukhovskaya"

Under the leadership of the head of the department, member of the Academy of Technological Sciences of the Russian Federation, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor V.N. Zhuravleva, the doctors of the sanatorium performed a number of scientific and practical works. On the basis of the department, they are trained in methods of diagnosis and treatment of urological patients. Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor L.A.

Invaluable assistance to “Obukhovsky” was provided by the head of the department of the Ural State Medical Academy, laureate of the USSR State Prize, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor V.A. Kozlov. With his help, advisory assistance and training for doctors of the sanatorium were organized on the basis of the city clinical hospital No. 27 of Sverdlovsk (now the city clinical hospital No. 1 of Yekaterinburg).

Significant creative work to study the properties of Obukhov mineral water and organizational work to create a polyclinic base for the sanatorium was carried out by the chief physician of the Medical Scientific Center for Prevention and Health Protection of Workers of Industrial Enterprises, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Yu.V. Kochergin.

With the support of the Sverdlovsk City Department of Urology and with the personal participation of its head, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor V.I. Miroshnichenko, the health resort is conducting research to substantiate new methods of treating diseases of the genitourinary system.

What conditions are needed for proper storage in plastic containers?

When buying water, you need to find a place for it in the kitchen or other room. There are a number of conditions that will help preserve the liquid longer:

Keep at a temperature not lower than 15 and not higher than 30 degrees.

Place the plastic in a dark place. Protect from sun exposure.

Buy water that has been recently produced.

It is better to purchase a liquid that is made locally where you live. This will preserve the maximum of nutrients.

Pay attention to what plastic the bottle is made of.

Nowadays, water is often sold in plastic bottles. You can also find people delivering liquids in similar containers. Traders use plastic containers because they allow them to store water and other liquids for a long time.

Storing water in simple containers has a number of disadvantages. Among them:

It develops an unpleasant taste or smell.

There is a risk of dirt or germs getting into the liquid.

But the way the store stores water is different. Manufacturers use the preservation method to preserve the quality of the liquid longer. Among the well-known methods of preservation are:

Adding special substances (antibiotics).

The latter method of preservation is able to preserve the quality of the liquid longer than others. But there is one serious drawback - antibiotics can harm a person or reduce their resistance to diseases.

The other two methods will not harm a person, but water can only be kept until opened. Once opened, the gases and ozone disappear and the water must be used for a limited amount of time.

Glassware with silver spoon in water.

The shelf life of natural mineral water, depending on the brand of water, varies from 6 to 12 months from the date of bottling. This information, as well as information about the date of manufacture, is indicated by the manufacturer on the bottled water label. Bottled water should be stored in a darkened room at a temperature from +5 to +20 C, avoiding exposure of the bottle to sunlight. When used for feeding children of the first year of life, the shelf life after opening the consumer container (with the lid closed) should not exceed 5 days.

How to properly store water in 19 liter bottles

Water for coolers is usually delivered in 19-liter containers. To prevent it from spoiling at home, you need to follow the rules:

1. Water should not be stored in a musty room. It must have good ventilation, it must be well ventilated.
2. Water should not be in the sun.
3. There should not be sudden changes in temperature in the room, otherwise the water may lose all its beneficial substances. Also, the temperature should not be too low, but not too high. All this affects water quality.
4. You need to keep bottles as far away from unpleasant odors as possible.
5. Bottles that you intend to reuse should not be stored in areas that are too damp or too dusty.

The shelf life of water after opening the bottle is 9 days.

What is the shelf life of water?

pexels.com

Not only does water simply have an expiration date, we will say even more - it is a perishable product. This is understandable if you look at its composition - there are no preservatives that preserve the product for a longer time.

In general, the shelf life of bottled water is usually from three months to two years. Quite a spread, right? To find out more precisely, you need to look at the packaging indicated by the manufacturer. You can use it to find out for sure whether the water is expired. Basically, only water in glass bottles is stored for up to two years. The maximum shelf life in plastic is 18 months.

At the same time, to prevent bottled water from spoiling ahead of schedule, you need to carefully consider the conditions of its storage. So, it is better to keep the bottle away from sunlight and not store it open. If the water has been left open for more than a week, harmful microorganisms may have entered it. Therefore, you don’t need to drink it right away; boil the water first. In general, it is better to store an opened container in the refrigerator and after five days do not use it.