Bottled water to contain fluoride

The Australian today reports that within two years, bottled water could contain fluoride. The article suggests that this development is proposed by beverage companies fighting back "against claims that the shift away from tap water is increasing rates of decay in children".

The Bottled Water Institute has applied to Food Standards Australian New Zealand (FSANZ) to permit fluoride to be added to bottled water. FSANZ have suggested that the relevant food standards could be amended to permit this within two years.

The article also notes that the "National Health and Medical Research Council circulated documents in May that included fluoride as part of its recommended dietary intake of nutrients for the first time".