🧪 Annex Science Series Vol.3｜Science of high temperature sterilization and safety｜Delivering “drinkable hot springs” with peace of mind

To safely deliver “drinkable hot springs”

Hot Spring Water 99 is natural alkaline ionized water extracted from approximately 750 meters underground at Tarumi Onsen in Kagoshima.
The sampled water isAlkaline water with a pH of 9.9 and ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7It has the following characteristics.
While maintaining these characteristics, it is bottled through **high temperature sterilization (heat filling)**.
This process does not damage the chemical properties of the water.Important steps to ensure the removal of microbial risksIt is.

What is high temperature sterilization?

"Sterilization" refers to the process of inactivating microorganisms (general viable bacteria, heat-resistant bacteria, etc.) that may exist in water by heat treatment.
At Onsensui 99, before and after bottling.Precisely control heating temperature and timeand ensure safety.

The manufacturing factory of Hot Spring Water 99 isCompliant with Food Sanitation Law and HACCP standardsand
We conduct quality inspections for general viable bacteria count, coliform bacteria, pH, hardness, etc. for each manufacturing lot.

“Water characteristics” remain unchanged even after high-temperature sterilization

Hot Spring Water 99 is a hot spring water with a highly alkaline pH of 9.9.
Heat treatment also reduces theAlmost no loss of chemical properties (pH/hardness)Bottled.

Although the pH value fluctuates temporarily depending on the temperature, it has been confirmed that it returns to almost its original value when the temperature returns to normal.
Therefore, even after heat sterilizationAlkaline nature and mellow tasteis maintained.

Misconception that “unheated = good water”

There is a misconception that unheated water means natural and good water.
However, non-heat treatment may result in microorganisms remaining alive in the bottle.
Risk of quality change due to bacterial growth during transportation and storageaccompanies.

Especially in hot and humid environments such as the tropics and subtropics,
Water that is not subjected to high temperature sterilizationNot suitable for international distributionThere may be cases.

Hot spring water 99 is made by high temperature sterilization.Quality that can withstand long-term storage and international transportationhas been realized,
We maintain a sanitary level suitable for shipping to all parts of the world, mainly Asia.

“Double safety” of alkalinity and sterilization

Hot spring water 99 has an alkaline pH of 9.9, so
An environment that makes it difficult for many common bacteria to growis known to be.
In addition to this natural condition,Physical sterilization treatment using high temperature sterilization processBy doing
Safety is double ensured.

Due to this dual mechanism, hot spring water 99No preservatives added and aseptic filling、
The quality remains stable for a long time before opening.

Quality control and inspection system

At Onsensui99, we inspect the following items at each production stage.

• General viable bacteria count

• Coliform bacteria test

• pH measurement (9.5-9.9 range)

• Hardness/mineral balance confirmation

• Visual/sensory testing (taste/transparency)

These data areRecording and storage in lot unitstraceability is ensured.
Scientific quality control ensures the safety of drinking hot springs.

Balancing nature and science

• Although hot spring water 99 is "natural alkaline ionized water",Thorough hygiene management through high temperature sterilization。

• pH9.9 x hardness 1.7This characteristic is maintained even after heating.

• Quality that can withstand transportation not only within Japan but also to hot and humid regions.

Management of nature's bounty and science.
Balancing this is the true strength of the “drinkable hot spring” Hot Spring Water 99.

"Onsen Water 99 Annex Science Series" provides factual and easy-to-understand explanations about the science, quality, and safety of water.

This article is part of the Onsen Water 99 Annex Science Series.
▶ What is alkaline ionized water? Using science to solve the problem of “friendly water” with a pH of 9.9
▶ What is super soft water? The science of “softness” created by a hardness of 1.7
▶ Science of high temperature sterilization and safety｜Delivering “drinkable hot springs” with peace of mind
▶ View the list of “Onsen Water 99 Annex Science Series” articles