In a significant step toward ensuring food safety, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has classified packaged drinking water and mineral water under the ‘High-Risk Food’ category.
This move follows the government's October decision to eliminate the mandatory certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for these products.
With the reclassification, packaged drinking water and mineral water manufacturers will now face mandatory inspections and third-party audits. This aims to enhance the safety and quality standards of these widely consumed products.
Annual Inspections: Manufacturers must undergo annual, risk-based inspections before acquiring a licence or registration.
Third-Party Audits: Recognized food safety agencies will conduct annual audits to ensure compliance with FSSAI standards.
Previously, the packaged drinking water industry had sought simplified norms, particularly requesting the removal of dual certification requirements by both Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and FSSAI. While the latest decision removes the BIS certification requirement, it increases regulatory oversight to ensure quality and consumer trust.
FSSAI is also addressing concerns regarding food safety in the e-commerce sector. In November, it directed e-commerce food business operators to:
Ensure that food products sold have a minimum shelf life of 30% or at least 45 days before expiry.
Refrain from making unsupported claims about products.
Separate the delivery of food and non-food items to avoid contamination.
At a recent meeting on November 12, FSSAI CEO G. Kamala Vardhana Rao reiterated that no operator could function on e-commerce platforms without a valid FSSAI licence or registration. He also emphasized that product claims must align with information provided on labels and follow FSSAI guidelines.
This reclassification signals FSSAI's commitment to stricter regulation and transparency in the food industry. By increasing inspections and emphasizing compliance, the authority seeks to reinforce consumer confidence in the safety of packaged drinking water and mineral water.
The FSSAI's decision reflects its proactive approach to addressing potential health risks associated with widely consumed products. While this move increases accountability for manufacturers, it also ensures safer and higher-quality products for consumers. The regulatory updates for e-commerce operators further underline FSSAI's commitment to consumer safety and transparency across platforms.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. Established in 2006 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, its primary goal is to protect and promote public health by ensuring the safety and quality of food consumed in India.
Food Safety Regulation: Laying down science-based standards for food products.
Consumer Awareness: Ensuring the availability of safe and wholesome food to consumers.
Licensing and Registration: Regulating food businesses by issuing licenses and overseeing compliance.
Policy Framing: Advising the government on food-related policies.
Inspection and Testing: Conducting regular inspections and enforcing food standards across the supply chain.
Setting Standards: FSSAI establishes benchmarks for food safety and quality, ensuring consistency nationwide.
Audits and Surveillance: Monitoring food supply chains to identify risks and minimize contamination.
Lab Testing: Accrediting food laboratories for reliable testing of food samples.
Capacity Building: Training and certification of food safety officers and businesses.
Collaboration: Working with international organizations like WHO and FAO to align Indian food safety standards globally.
Eat Right India Movement: Promoting healthy eating habits among Indians.
Food Fortification: Encouraging the addition of essential nutrients to staple foods.
Digital Compliance: Launching online portals for licensing, complaints, and awareness.
Every packaged food product in India must display the FSSAI logo and a 14-digit license number, ensuring traceability and compliance.
FSSAI plays a pivotal role in maintaining food safety standards, protecting consumers, and fostering trust in the Indian food market.