Opinion of the Scientific Panel on food additives, flavourings, processing aids and materials in contact with food (AFC) on a request related to the safety in use of the activated alumina treatment for the removal of fluoride from natural mineral waters

The Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food (AFC) has been asked to evaluate the food safety aspects related to the removal of fluoride from natural mineral waters (NMWs) by filtration through a bed of activated alumina. NMWs at source may contain levels of fluoride higher than the maximum concentration limits established for the constituents of natural mineral waters by the Commission Directive 2003/40/EEC. Removal of the fluoride is only allowed by an authorised process. Information concerning the source and treatment of activated alumina and the filtration process conditions was provided and showed that critical steps of the proposed process.

Link : http://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/scientific_output/files/main_documents/394.pdf