How dangerous are bacteria in mineral water?

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Bacteria are repeatedly discovered in mineral water during quality controls. Bottles contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa are currently causing recalls. But how dangerous is this germ really?

How do bacteria get into bottled water?

Mineral water is bottled directly at the source and may only be processed or purified in compliance with very strict regulations. This regulation is intended to protect the natural purity of mineral water and preserve its taste.

Filling plants are therefore subject to strict hygiene regulations. However, there are numerous hygiene risks such as contaminated raw water, dirty pipes or tanks and poor employee hygiene. In addition, there is contaminated packaging or inadequate cleaning of the filling systems. Stagnant water also promotes the proliferation of bacteria.

How dangerous is Pseudomonas aeruginosa?

For healthy people, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is usually considered harmless. However, it can cause infections in immunocompromised people. Possible illnesses include pneumonia (especially in people on ventilators or lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis), urinary tract infections, wound infections, blood poisoning (sepsis) and middle ear infections. Eye infections, such as those caused by injuries or contaminated contact lenses, are also possible.

The danger of Pseudomonas infections depends largely on the health of the person affected and the location of the infection. In seriously ill patients, infections can be life-threatening because the bacterium is often insensitive to many antibiotics.

In healthy people, however, encounters with the germ rarely lead to serious illness. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is considered stubborn and can also withstand various disinfectants.

Where does the bacterium occur?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa prefers moist environments. The bacterium is found in rivers, lakes and soil. In rare cases, the pathogen can also occur in water pipes. There it multiplies particularly in biofilms. These are bacteria that accumulate on surfaces and together form a protective layer of mucus.

Why does the bacteria trigger recalls?

The Drinking Water Ordinance sets a limit of zero CFU (colony forming units) per 100 ml of water for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This means that it must not be detectable in drinking water. If the bacteria is still found, the affected batches must be recalled. This is primarily a precautionary measure. A single detection does not automatically mean a health risk.

How do you identify affected products?

The consumer advice centers provide information about current warnings, including on the website www.lebensmittelwarning.de. Various manufacturers and authorities also publish recalls on their websites. The affected batches are usually precisely identified and contain the numbers printed on the bottle.

In this case, the following nine batches are involved: Raffelberger Medium (0.75 liter bottle) with the best-before dates June 9th, 2028, June 10th, 2028, June 17th, 2028, June 18th, 2028, June 23rd, 2028, June 25th, 2028, June 27, 2028 and June 30, 2028. The Raffelberger Klassik table water (0.70 liter bottle) with the best-before date of June 16, 2028 is also affected.

What is the role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in nature?

In nature, Pseudomonas aeruginosa primarily plays the role of a decomposer and substance converter. It often lives in soil, water and plant surfaces, where it breaks down organic substances such as plant residues, fats and other carbon compounds. In this way, it contributes to the nutrient cycle and recycles bound substances for other organisms.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can also interact with other microorganisms and plants. It produces various metabolic products, including antimicrobial substances, with which it can assert itself against competitors. Some related Pseudomonas species can even help plants grow by displacing pathogens or making certain nutrients available to the plants.