In response to a new study that says their private-label bottled water brands contain contaminants and are basically no different than tap water, Giant Food of Landover, Md., and Wal-Mart Stores, Bentonville, Ark., say their products are held to strict standards. The responses come after testing by the Washington-based Environmental Working Group revealed an array of chemical contaminants in Wal-Mart’s Sam’s Choice and Giant's Acadia bottled water that exceed California safety standards. However, both brands met federal health standards for drinking water, and most of the detected contaminants are common in tap water.
“The production process for our Acadia-brand water contains continuous monitoring and numerous safety and quality assurance controls, including a filtration process that assures that the quality of the product meets all regulatory standards for safe drinking water in the areas where we operate,” a Giant statement reads.
Wal-Mart also stands behind the quality of its bottled water, saying the suppliers of Sam's Choice water regularly test to verify compliance and quality. Wal-Mart said both its suppliers' tests and tests from an additional external laboratory are not showing any reportable amounts of chlorine or chlorine byproducts. “We're disappointed that the EWG has not shared more details with us as we continue to investigate this matter,” according to Wal-Mart.
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