Connecticut U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal is calling on the federal government to issue a standard for certain chemicals in bottled water in the wake of contamination concerns.
Water distributed by a dairy in Haverhill, Massachusetts, was found by state officials earlier this month to contain unsafe levels of PFAS for infants, and women who are pregnant or nursing.
Affected water was sold in 1- to 2.5-gallon containers.
"The simple fact is there are no enforceable, strong limits on levels of PFAS chemicals, these dangerous compounds, found in bottled water," Blumenthal said to reporters Monday.
PFAS has been linked with cancer, liver disease, and other health problems.
Blumenthal said the Food and Drug Administration has a statutory and moral responsibility to act.
"It should be a federal responsibility, because this issue is national in scope," he said.
Affected brands bottled before July 24, 2019, were listed in a consumption advisory issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The state also offers a PFAS fact sheet.
Blumenthal said Spring Hill Farm Dairy has since installed a filter that is removing PFAS from its water, which is widely sold under different names.
Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection in Connecticut, Michelle Seagull, said she's aware there may be concerns about water that's already on store shelves ahead of the company's action, but removing it would require a federal decision.
"The reality is it's through the FDA that a recall or other situation would occur where these products would be taken off the shelf," she said Monday.
"We're definitely in consultation with our partners at Public Health here in Connecticut. and with Massachusetts and federal counterparts to understand what the situation is, and should more be done."
