adminHarare Bureau
THE Standards Association of Zimbabwe yesterday said certificates of compliance issued for bottled water are valid for three years with the body reserving the right to withdraw them if water quality is no longer compliant with requirements. In a statement, SAZ said its certification scheme involves testing of physical, chemical and biological composition of the water in compliance with the World Health Organisation guidelines.
“The Bottled Water Certification Scheme involves testing of the water against the Zimbabwean Standard (ZWS 457 of 1995) which lists the physical, chemical, and biological composition of good quality water and is in compliance with World Health Organisation Guidelines on good quality water that is safe for human consumption.
“Standards Association of Zimbabwe issues a 3 (three) year valid certificate to a water bottling company that would have first registered with the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, and have had their water samples tested by SAZ accredited laboratories, and on-site verification of the entire production process. During the 3 year cycle, Standards Association of Zimbabwe conducts surveillance audits and sample testing to ensure continued compliance to the Standard (ZWS 457:1995,” the statement said
Meanwhile, SAZ also said bottled water brands, Schweppes, Wellpure Water and Tingamira still have valid certification after they were included on the list of those not certified by the standards body last week.
The three are produced by Schweppes, Mukati Investments and Tanganda.
“The public is also informed that Schweppes (Schweppes Water), Mukati Investments (Wellpure Water), and Tanganda (Tingamira Water) which were erroneously mentioned as not having valid certification with Standards Association of Zimbabwe still hold valid licences,” SAZ said in a statement.
Online Reporter