Bottled water: microbiological quality and consumer perception in Viçosa (MG)

The objective of this study was to characterize the microbiological and physical quality of mineral bottled water commercialized in Viçosa's city, Minas Gerais' State, and understand the perceptions related to its consumption. Samples of four brands of bottled water, in gallons of 20 liters, were analyzed for microbial (Escherichia coli, total coliforms, enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and physical (color and turbidity) characterization. In addition, bottled water's consumers were interviewed to identity the perceptions concerning water quality and the reasons for choosing this water; these data were analyzed using content analysis strategy. The results showed that bottled water commercialized in Viçosa's city had, at some point, microorganisms counting higher than those recommended by Brazilian's regulation. The results concerning the qualitative study showed that the choice for bottled water consumption is less related to the sense of health protection than to a social practice, consolidated and legitimated in everyday.