8. Soft Drinks

Legal Requirements

Bottled Water

There are three legally defined types of bottled water.

Natural Mineral Water:
Named source that has been officially recognised within EU, bottled at source.
Spring Water:
Named source, no official recognition, bottled at source.
Bottled Water:
Drinking water that has been bottled from an un-named source and can include municipal supplies.

All can be still or sparkling.

Menus using such descriptions must ensure the bottled water meet such legal definitions as regards sourcing.

Best Practice Guidelines

There is no obligation on caterers to show the origin of any bottled water or other soft drinks on their menus, but if they choose to do so, they are required by food and trading standards law to ensure that their descriptions do not mislead the customer.

When origin information such as a named source is provided for customers, make sure this is where the bottled water or soft drink actually came from. Use correct product name and give source, or serve in original packaging with origin labelling information attached.

The description ‘natural spring water’ is considered misleading and the term ‘pure’ in relation to water is not defined.

How to Apply in Your Business

Checking labels or asking your supplier for more details on the actual source of bottled water may enable you to make more accurate or detailed origin claims.