Treatments and additions for natural mineral waterN.I.
9.—(1) A person must not subject natural mineral water in its state at source to—
(a)any treatment other than—
(i)the separation of its unstable elements, such as iron and sulphur compounds, by filtration or decanting, whether or not preceded by oxygenation, in so far as the treatment does not alter the composition of the water as regards the essential constituents which give it its properties;
(ii)the total or partial elimination of free carbon dioxide by exclusively physical methods;
(iii)fluoride removal treatment which is authorised in accordance with Schedule 2; or
(iv)an ozone-enriched air oxidation technique which is authorised in accordance with Schedule 3;
(b)any addition other than the introduction or the re-introduction of carbon dioxide to produce effervescent natural mineral water; or
(c)any disinfection treatment by whatever means, or, subject to paragraph (1)(b), the addition of bacteriostatic elements or any other treatment likely to change the viable colony count of the natural mineral water.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not prevent the use of natural mineral water in the manufacture of soft drinks.