Why Is There An Expiration Date On Bottled Water

If you've ever bought a package of bottled water. You may have noted the expiration date printed on the plastic packaging. Currently, most types of bottled water produced in the United States list an expiration date. Although water itself does not expire, In spite of this, bottled water often has an expiration date on it. Let's find out, why is there an expiration date on bottled water.

Water bottles have an expiration date because they are not meant to last forever. When bottled water is exposed to air, oxygen begins to break down the chemical bonds of the plastic and cause the bottle to become brittle and crack. Once this happens, the bottle becomes useless for drinking purposes.

Bottled water is safe to drink if it is stored properly. If the bottle is kept in a cool place and away from direct sunlight. Then the water should remain fresh for about two years. However, once the bottle cracks, the water inside is no longer safe to drink. 

Bottled water is generally safer than tap water because it is filtered and treated before being put into the bottle. Tap water may contain harmful chemicals and bacteria that could make you sick.

Does water expire in plastic bottles?

Although water itself does not expire, In spite of this, bottled water often has an expiration date on it. In 1987, New Jersey became the first and only US state to pass a unique law. This law requires all food products—including bottled water—to have an expiration date of 2 years or less from the date of manufacture.

When this law was passed, printing the expiration date became an industry standard. It became standard for bottled water manufacturers across the country. However, this law was later changed. And no current legislation in the U.S needs developers to print an expiration date on bottled water.

Still, it's generally not a good idea to drink water from plastic bottles that are well past their use-by date. That's because plastic can begin to leach into water over time, contaminating it with chemicals like bisphenol A and antimony.

When ingested regularly, these plastic compounds can slowly build up in your body. Accumulation of plastic compounds could harm immunity, respiratory function and gut health. Additionally, bottled water that is carbonated can eventually flatten. It can lose carbonation and change its flavor and taste.

Tips for proper storage

Proper storage of bottled water can help prevent microbial growth and decrease the risk of side effects. Side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea. High temperatures, in particular, can promote bacterial growth.  High temperatures can also increase the release of harmful chemicals into the water.

Storing bottled water in a cool place out of direct sunlight can help promote proper food safety and reduce the risk of negative health effects. Because plastic bottles are also slightly permeable. It is best to store bottled water away from chemicals and household cleaners. If you notice that your water has a strange taste or smell, you should either boil it before drinking it or throw it away.

Bottled Water

Bottled water is not only expensive, but it is also bad for your body. There are many chemicals added to bottled water including fluoride, chlorine, and bromide. These chemicals are linked to cancer, thyroid problems, and birth defects. If you want to drink clean water, then use filtered tap water instead.

Bisphenol A (or BPA) is a chemical that's commonly used to make plastics. There is evidence that suggests that BPA may cause cancer and other health issues. In recent years, companies have started making BPA-free products. These bottles are safe to drink out of and are cheaper than regular plastic bottles. 

BPA also has been shown to disrupt endocrine function in animals and humans. In fact, some studies have linked exposure to BPA to early puberty onset, obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

Why Do We Need To Replace Our Water?

If we don't replace our water, then it will slowly lose its potency. Over time, this can cause serious problems. For example, if you drink water that has been sitting around for a long period of time, then it may have high levels of chlorine. Chlorine is a disinfectant that kills off harmful bacteria. But if you drink water that contains high levels of chlorine, then it could potentially kill off good bacteria. This would lead to bad odors and possible illness.

Conclusion

Some chemicals found in plastic can leach into bottled water over time, potentially harming your health. Therefore, it is probably best to avoid commercially bottled water that is well past its expiration date. Practicing appropriate storage methods can help reduce the risk of side effects and ensure that your drinking water is safe for drinking.