💧 Packaged Drinking Water Now a High-Risk Food Category: FSSAI Tightens Safety Measures 🚨

TL;DR: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has classified packaged drinking water and mineral water as “High Risk Food Categories.” This mandates annual inspections, third-party audits, and strict adherence to food safety norms. The move ensures greater consumer safety following the removal of mandatory BIS certification.

he Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken a significant step to enhance consumer safety by categorizing packaged drinking water and mineral water under the "High Risk Food Categories." This reclassification brings with it stricter regulatory measures to ensure the safety and quality of bottled water products across the country.

Key Changes Under the New Classification:

1. Mandatory Inspections:

   • Manufacturers of packaged and mineral water must now undergo risk-based inspections annually as part of their licensing and registration process.

   • These inspections aim to detect and rectify any safety lapses proactively.

2. Third-Party Audits:

   • Businesses in this category are required to conduct annual third-party audits through FSSAI-recognized food safety agencies.

   • These audits serve as an additional layer of compliance, ensuring adherence to safety norms.

3. Streamlined Compliance:

   • Previously, the industry faced dual certification requirements from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and FSSAI.

   • In October 2024, the government removed mandatory BIS certification for packaged water, leaving FSSAI as the sole regulatory body.

Why This Move is Important:

The reclassification follows concerns over the quality of bottled water products in India. Packaged drinking water is widely consumed, and any lapse in safety standards can have serious public health consequences. By implementing risk-based inspections and third-party audits, FSSAI ensures that products meet stringent safety and quality standards.

Industry Reaction:

The packaged drinking water industry had long advocated for simplified compliance measures, and this move aligns with those demands while maintaining safety protocols. Manufacturers are expected to invest more in quality control and food safety management systems to comply with the new norms.

With these measures in place, consumers can expect safer and higher-quality bottled water! 🌟

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