On April 19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued its final rule for added fluoride levels in bottled water titled Beverages: Bottled Water. This final rule amends the allowable level for fluoride in domestically packaged and imported bottled water to which fluoride is added to 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The proposed rule published in April 2019.

The maximum added fluoride level in the final rule is consistent with the current recommendation by the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) for the fluoride concentration in community water systems that add fluoride to their water. This maximum level will balance prevention of tooth decay and the risk of fluoride overexposure. This final rule does not affect bottled water that contains only naturally occurring fluoride (i.e., not added by a manufacturer). Added fluoride must be declared in the ingredient list, so consumers can examine bottled water labeling to determine whether fluoride has been added.

The final rule will become effective June 19, 2022, and the compliance date for industry is October 17, 2022.