-KH News Desk (cbedit@imaws.org)
With the latest development, FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) has classified mineral water or any packaging water in the high-risk food category, implementing more strict regulatory controls and annual facility inspections. The latest regulations have been implemented immediately after it was passed on November 29 requiring the food manufacturing to go through third-party food safety audits to enhance the quality standards.
Central licence holders under this category have to submit to annual inspections aiming at mitigating potential health risks that are related to packaged water production.
The reclassification by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) follows recent amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, which earlier removed mandatory BIS certification required for specific food products.
India’s market for bottled water has seen significant growth with a valuation of $3.84 billion as of 2024. The increase in demand reflects the increasing preference of consumers for packaged water. Additionally, it requires strict measures for quality control.
Despite having strict regulations, bottled water safety measures still persist. Lately, there have been many reports of microbial contamination of water as well as the presence of harmful chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals in specific brands have raised alarm bells. A study conducted by Orb Media stated that 93% of the 259 water bottles sampled contained microplastic particles.
As a consumer, we play an important role in safeguarding health. Here are a few things that must be kept in mind-
Inspect the bottle: Make sure to check the water bottle for any tampering or visible damage. Also, check the expiry date before buying any food item. Look for certification to guarantee its safety and purity.
Verify the expiry date: We usually see an expiration date on the water bottle. Water is safe to drink for up to six months when it is stored in a cool space. Although, before making any purchase it is important to make sure the water is within its shelf life.
Choose trusted brands: Always choose a trusted and well-established brand as these brands are more likely to follow the quality standards in order to maintain their reputation.
