Issues found in the flavor of water stored in plastic bottles?
In the world of bottled water, a common concern arises regarding the transfer of acetaldehyde from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic into the water. Acetaldehyde, a degradation byproduct of PET, can potentially affect the taste and smell of the water.
Under certain conditions, PET can undergo hydrolysis or thermal degradation, releasing small aldehydes such as acetaldehyde into the contained water. This process occurs primarily due to PET's propensity to break down slightly under these conditions, forming radicals and reactive intermediates that can diffuse into the water.
Manufacturers are taking steps to address this issue. They are focusing on improving PET stability and processing conditions, using acetaldehyde scavengers, applying barrier coatings, optimising PET formulation, and ensuring cooler storage conditions to minimise acetaldehyde migration.
However, consumers should not have to accept a PET water bottle that tastes and smells unusual, as it is a quality defect. Leaving PET bottles in direct sunlight or in a hot car can promote the release of acetaldehyde, so it's advisable to avoid such practices.
Fortunately, consumers need not be concerned about small amounts of acetaldehyde in their water, as it is below the legal limit and does not pose a health risk. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has assured that small amounts of acetaldehyde do not pose a health risk to consumers, even when present in very low concentrations.
If a PET water bottle tastes and smells unusual, it may be due to acetaldehyde transfer from the plastic. In such cases, the bottle should be returned to the store as it represents a quality defect. Consumers can take steps to prevent the problem of acetaldehyde release from PET bottles by avoiding exposure to heat.
In conclusion, acetaldehyde transfer from PET to water is a concern that manufacturers are working to address. Consumers can play their part by being aware of the issue and taking simple steps to ensure the quality of their bottled water.
- To prevent the transfer of acetaldehyde from PET to water in a bottle, it's recommended to avoid exposing the bottle to heat, such as leaving it in direct sunlight or in a hot car.
- Manufacturers are taking several steps to minimize acetaldehyde migration, like improving PET stability, using acetaldehyde scavengers, applying barrier coatings, optimizing PET formulation, and ensuring cooler storage conditions.
- Despite small amounts of acetaldehyde in bottled water not posing a health risk according to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), consumers should not accept bottles that taste or smell unusual, as it indicates a quality defect.
