What risks do Georgian mineral waters contain?

Georgia is famous for its mineral waters, like Borjomi, Likani and Nabeglavi, known for their therapeutic benefits and unique taste. But while the natural springs offer clean water, the packaging process introduces a different set of food safety challenges — especially related to migration from plastic bottles, microbial risks, and labeling issues.

Today Food Safety Alliance will tell you all secrets about mineral water production.

The Journey from Spring to Shelf

Water may start its life pure in the mountains, but once it enters bottling plants, it must pass through pipes, tanks, filters, and packaging. If any of these components are compromised, the final product may be contaminated — chemically, physically, or microbiologically.

Common Food Safety Issues:

1. Microbial contamination from poor cleaning.
2. Chemical migration from plastic bottles.
3. Incorrect labeling (missing mineral content, shelf life, etc.).

Migration Risk in Bottled Water

Plastic bottles can release harmful substances into water — especially if:

• Stored in the sun.
• Filled with hot water or sterilized incorrectly.
• The plastic is not food-grade.

Migration testing ensures that materials used for packaging (especially PET bottles) do not leach harmful substances like BPA or antimony into the water. It is required for all food-contact packaging in the EU.

How to Minimize These Risks

1. Use only certified food-grade plastic.
2. Conduct regular migration tests in accredited labs.
3. Avoid reuse or overexposure to heat.
4. Sanitize all pipelines and bottling machines.
5. Keep bottles away from direct sunlight.
6. Monitor warehouse temperature (preferably below 20°C).

HACCP for Mineral Water Producers

Critical Control Points:

1. Filtration: Remove sediments and biological hazards.
2. Packaging: Use clean, tested bottles.
3. Labeling: Comply with EU standards — including origin, mineral content, and batch number.

Final Thought

Georgia’s mineral water has global appeal. But to compete internationally, we must ensure our packaging is as safe as our springs.

Need help with packaging testing or HACCP design? Contact Food Safety Alliance.