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In a landmark move, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has designated packaged drinking water and mineral water as high-risk food items. This reclassification introduces stricter regulatory measures aimed at ensuring enhanced consumer safety and product quality.
Effective immediately, under a directive issued on November 29, manufacturers in the packaged water sector are mandated to comply with a series of stringent requirements. These include annual inspections of facilities, third-party food safety audits, and adherence to heightened quality benchmarks. Central license holders, in particular, are now obligated to undergo annual evaluations to address potential health risks linked to the production of packaged water.
The decision forms part of broader amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. These changes aim to bolster consumer protection and uphold rigorous standards in the packaged water industry, addressing long-standing concerns over safety and compliance.
FSSAI’s move underscores the growing emphasis on accountability within the food sector and the need for continuous monitoring of high-risk products. By enforcing these updated regulations, the authority seeks to mitigate risks associated with the consumption of packaged water and assure consumers of its safety and quality.
This proactive step is anticipated to encourage better practices within the industry while providing greater transparency and reliability for consumers across the country.
