Packaged Drinking Water Classified As High-Risk Food By FSSAI
Packaged Drinking Water Classified As High-Risk Food By FSSAI
In a significant move, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reclassified packaged drinking water and mineral water as high-risk food items. This decision aims to ensure the safety and quality of water sold under these labels and protect public health.
Many people rely on packaged drinking water, considering it pure and safe. However, FSSAI’s new classification underscores the potential health risks associated with such products. The authority has mandated stringent inspections and audits for all packaged and mineral water manufacturers. Annual third-party food safety audits will now be compulsory for these companies. Additionally, obtaining an FSSAI certification is mandatory for production and distribution.
This decision follows the government’s recent removal of the mandatory requirement for Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for the packaged water industry. The move is seen as a significant step to improve consumer safety and ensure access to genuinely safe drinking water.
Impact on the Public
The government aims to provide access to clean, authentic mineral water and improve the quality of packaged water sold in the market. These measures are designed to curb the sale of substandard products under misleading labels, ensuring the public consumes safe and reliable water.
The changes are expected to hold companies accountable, improve industry standards, and prioritize public health.
