Bottled Water Regulation
Course details
Self-Paced eLearning
99.00
1 Hour
Dr. Suf Alkhaldi
Bottled water is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a packaged food product, with specific requirements for water sources, sanitation, testing, labeling, and recordkeeping.
This course provides an overview of FDA bottled water regulations, including differences from municipal drinking water oversight, facility and treatment requirements, and common compliance risks. Participants will also learn about inspection expectations and practices that support product safety and regulatory compliance.
Benefits and Learning Objectives
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain how the FDA regulates bottled water and how it differs from municipal drinking water.
- Identify key FDA regulations applicable to bottled water operations.
- Understand requirements for source approval, sanitation, and treatment controls.
- Recognize required testing and recordkeeping expectations.
- Identify common FDA inspection risks related to testing, sanitation, and labeling.
Agenda
- FDA Oversight, Inspection Responsibilities, and Bottled Water Classification
- Bottled Water Product Categories, Labeling, and Regulatory Differences
- FDA Regulatory Framework and 21 CFR Part 129 Requirements
- Facility Design, Sanitary Operations, and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs)
- Water Source Approval, Protection, and Treatment Controls
- Microbiological, Chemical, and Radiological Testing Requirements
- Testing Frequency, Fluoride Standards, and Water Quality Requirements
- Documentation, Recordkeeping, and Common Compliance Risks
- FDA Inspection Focus Areas and Inspection Readiness
Who Should Attend?
- Bottled Water Manufacturers and Processors
- Food Safety and Quality Assurance Managers
- Quality Control and Laboratory Professionals
- Bottled Water Plant and Operations Managers
- Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Professionals
- Production and Sanitation Supervisors
- Water Treatment and Quality Specialists
- Facility Managers and Technical Personnel
- Food Safety Consultants and Auditors
Registration and Payment
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Senior Vice President, Technical Services
IEH Laboratories & Consulting Group
Meet the Instructor
Dr. Suf Alkhaldi
Dr. Suf Alkhaldi joined IEH as the Senior Vice President of Technical Services in 2023. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Microbiology and Cell Molecular Biology from Oklahoma State University. He also conducted a postdoctoral study in Rumen Microbiology in Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgia and served as the manager of the DNA Microarray Lab at Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University.
Before joining IEH, Dr. Alkhaldi spent over two decades at FDA which has been characterized by his exceptional contributions to innovation and regulatory excellence. He began as a researcher and food outbreak investigator at the Center for Food and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), focusing on developing cutting-edge methods for identifying pathogenic bacteria in food using molecular techniques. With over 29 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 14 reviewed papers and book chapters, and co-editing “The Bad Bug Book,” he demonstrated a strong commitment to knowledge-sharing and food safety. Dr. Alkhaldi has played an instrumental role in resolving the FDA’s 2008 pepper outbreak investigation.
Throughout his extensive career at FDA, Dr. Alkhaldi held various roles, including Project Manager, Supervisor, and Senior Science Advisor in the Office of the Chief Scientist. He actively participated in influential working groups and the FDA Funded Centers of Excellence, reinforcing his dedication to advancing microbiology and FDA drug policies. Adding to his accomplishments, Dr. Alkhaldi received over 20 FDA awards between 2000 and 2023.
Dr. Alkhaldi was selected to lead the Office of Safety within the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA). His exceptional leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was evident as he led a team of 24 Industrial Hygienists and safety professionals. Their dedication ensured the safety of 5,000 FDA employees and provided support for 16 FDA laboratories, demonstrating his significant impact in fostering a safe and innovative regulatory environment within the FDA and the broader field of food microbiology.