Fluoride in bottled water

(Last updated November 2011)

The Food Standards Code allows between 0.6 and 1.0 milligrams of fluoride (including naturally occurring and added fluoride) per litre of bottled water. This is the same level recommended for drinking water to provide benefits for dental health.

A FSANZ risk assessment (PDF 372 KB) found there is a history of safe use of fluoride in tap water at this level. Fluoridated bottled water (at the approved levels) is nutritionally equivalent to fluoridated tap water.

Not all bottled water contains fluoride. However, all bottled water with fluoride added must be clearly labelled.

Bottled water with added fluoride is safe for everyone and can be used to make up infant formula. Remember to follow the preparation instructions on the formula label.

More information

Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents incorporating the Infant Feeding Guidelines for Health Workers – Australia

Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Infants and Toddlers (Aged 0-2) – New Zealand