"For the producer, they are a good bargain, for they are sold at three to four times the price. This additional price is paid for a tiny amount of wondrous additives," explains Lehner: "The healthy image of mineral water is misused for selling soft drinks disguised as "feel-good waters."

A EU-wide legally binding definition for functional foodstuffs has to be developed, claims the AK. The Austrian Foodstuffs Code could provide for an Austrian solution. The promotional information ought to be harmonised throughout Europe. In addition, enterprises should be obliged to disclose information and to provide evidence on the effects.

Mineral waters "with extra costs"

But also unsweetened mineral waters can be sold 300 percent more expensively, if they are "rich in calcium and magnesium" or have an "extra" of a nutrient. According to the AK, such nutrient-referring information is found in every other mineral water. "However, neither the Mineral Water Ordinance, nor the Foodstuffs Code defines when a water is e.g. rich in calcium. Neither has the specific portion to be indicated, which the water contributes to cover the daily requirement of the specifically promoted mineral. A correct evaluation of the water and product comparisons are therefore impossible for consumers", says Lehner.

The AK has tested eight non-sweet mineral waters, which are promoted with an added-value: Contrex, Evian, Long Life, Oxygizer, Donatquelle, Gleichenberger, Juvina, and Preblauer.

The composition and the information supplied by the producers were evaluated. In addition, it was examined whether the waters comply with the Foodstuffs Labelling Ordinance and the Mineral Water Ordinance. The AK test shows: Two of three mineral waters use unprovable "feel-good statements", like e.g. "daily for your well-being" or "makes you gain momentum". One third of mineral waters advertise with statements referring to health, which are not always sufficiently substantiated, like e.g. "regenerating" or "relieves in diabetes". Only one water substantiates all statements really sufficiently and indicates the side effects on the label: Donatquelle Rogaska from Slovenia, distributed by Brueckler GesmbH, Jennersdorf.

In view of the missing evidence from mineral water producers on wellness and health statements and the too expensive prices, the AK demands a general prohibition of feel-good statements and more control.