KKI findings: 57 percent of gallons of drinking water on the market have exceeded safe limits, a serious threat to health

Illustration-Galon (DOK VOI)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Consumer Community (KKI) has revealed worrying findings regarding the circulation of reusable drinking water gallons on the market.

Around 57 percent of the gallons in circulation are known to be more than two years old, exceeding the maximum recommended use limit of only one year to prevent the release of harmful chemicals from polycarbonate plastic.

KKI Chairman David Tobing said the findings were based on the results of a field investigation entitled "Investigation of Drinking Water Galons in Jabodetabek" which was carried out in 60 grocery stores in the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi regions.

"Overall, 57 percent of the gallons in circulation are more than two years old, even though experts recommend a maximum of one year to prevent the release of harmful chemicals from polycarbonate plastic," David said in a statement in Jakarta, Antara, Wednesday, December 17.

During the investigation, the KKI found gallons that had far exceeded their normal use age. In fact, gallons with a production code of 2012 were still found circulating in Bogor, while gallons produced in 2016 were still sold in Tangerang.

David emphasized that the gallon that has been around for 13 years is no longer just an early warning sign, but has entered the category of a serious threat to consumer safety. The gallons are referred to as Advanced Age Gals (Ganula).

"The 13-year-old gallon is no longer a 'red flag', but a danger siren. Manufacturers are obliged to withdraw it from the market. This is about human safety, not just about packaging," he said.

In addition to the age of use, KKI also found the physical condition of the gallon which was judged to be far from being worthy. As many as 80 percent of the gallons examined appeared to be opaque and dull, as if they had been used repeatedly without quality control supervision.

Not only that, 55 percent of the gallons were found in a worn and dusty condition, which shows that hygiene is not a priority in the distribution chain.

"Galons in less than decent conditions such as dull, worn, and opaque are still sold freely. This is not a small negligence, but a direct threat to public health," said David.

The investigation also revealed a lack of education from manufacturers to traders. As many as 95 percent of traders admitted that they had never received an explanation on how to read the production code or determine the age of the gallon. Meanwhile, 91.7 percent of traders stated that they had never received information regarding the safety of the gallon packaging material.

KKI emphasized that consumers have the right to refuse drinking water gallons that are cloudy, dull, or more than two years old.

Based on these findings, the KKI recommends the National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) to urge manufacturers of bottled drinking water (AMDK) to immediately withdraw gallons that have been over two years old from circulation, in order to prevent potential dangers of synthetic chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) from polycarbonate plastic.

English:

In addition, KKI also appeals to the public to be more critical and active in reporting. If you find a drinking water gallon that has exceeded the use-by date, the public is asked to report through KKI's official complaint channel.