FDA: Beware of devices turning tap water into alkaline water

MANILA, Philippines - Beware of devices that could supposedly transform tap water into alkaline or oxygenated water, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday said.

FDA acting director general Kenneth Hartigan-Go said they have observed the proliferation of stalls that make “false, deceptive and misleading and promotion ploys” on alkaline and oxygenated water.

“Vendors make declarations and promise to potential buyers that alkaline or oxygenated water removes every known chronic disease condition, acts as strong antioxidant, slows the aging process and promotes greater absorption of nutrients,” he said in FDA Advisory 2014-010.

Even though the FDA recognizes a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in 2010 that guarantees the right to safe and clean drinking water, Go said therapeutic claims made on drinking water as a ploy to promote and market water must be substantiated by valid clinical trials.

“It is a violation of Republic Act 9711, otherwise known as the FDA Act of 2009, to sell or offer for sale or use purification devices that allegedly produce water known as ‘alkaline water’ or ‘oxygenated water’ and make therapeutic claims without a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR),” he said.

Go said those engaged in the manufacture, importation, sale and distribution of water with therapeutic claims should secure a license to operate from the FDA before they can apply for a CPR.

“Consumers are advised not to fall prey to these unscrupulous vendors and peddlers. Drinking alkaline, oxygenated or ionized water does not change the blood pH level,” he said.