Water Quality for the Food Industry: Management and Microbiological Issues

CCFRA Guideline No. 27

Cryptosporidium and boil water notices

Cryptosporidium causes gastrointestinal illness in humans. Its environmentally resistant oocyst can be transmitted by water, infected animals or person-to-person. Foodborne outbreaks have been linked to direct contamination of fresh foods but not commercially processed foods. If a water supply poses a health risk, the water company may issue a 'boil water notice'. In these cases, manufacturers, retailers and caterers need to be aware of more practicable options, the role of food processing, and their legal obligations.