Concerns About Harmful Substances Found in Convenience Store Bottled Water Due to UV Exposure
It is common to see stacks of bottled water in front of convenience stores in urban areas being exposed to direct sunlight and becoming lukewarm. While the headquarters recommends storing them out of sunlight, it has been difficult to adhere to this due to limited store space.
Convenience store owners explain that they must display products for customers to make purchases. They also mention that they have no choice but to display items outside due to a lack of storage space.
The problem is that prolonged exposure to strong ultraviolet (UV) rays in summer can lead to the release of harmful substances from PET bottles.
According to an experiment conducted by the Board of Audit and Inspection in 2022, carcinogenic substances such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde were detected in bottled water exposed to UV light at high temperatures. In the survey, it was found that 37% of retail outlets in Seoul were improperly storing bottled water under direct sunlight.
In response, the Ministry of Environment plans to regulate the storage of bottled water in cool, dark places during distribution and to cover them with shade cloths if they must be placed outdoors. Penalties for violations are also being planned. An official from the Ministry of Environment explained that items stored outside supermarkets should be covered with protective materials like tarps.
As the 30th anniversary of bottled water sales approaches, efforts to improve regulations are underway. To reduce conflicts over groundwater development between bottled water companies and farmers, the authority for groundwater permits will be strengthened at the local government level.
Moreover, the introduction of food safety certification systems like HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) for bottled water is being pursued, along with measures to prevent the detection of microplastics and perfluoro compounds.
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