The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially categorized packaged drinking and mineral water as ‘High-Risk Food,’ emphasizing the critical need for stringent safety measures. This decision aligns with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification mandate for food products and follows the recent amendment of FSSAI’s Risk-Based Inspection Scheduling (RBIS) policy.
Under the updated policy of FSSAI, packaged drinking and mineral water are now included under the ‘Non-alcoholic beverages‘ category. Key amendments include required inspections for producers or processors seeking licenses or registration for food items that require BIS certification, as described in the October 2024 Gazette notification.
Additionally, food businesses that manufacture high-risk products, such as packaged drinking water, must undergo annual inspections. Furthermore, firms must undergo annual audits by FSSAI-approved third-party food safety auditing agencies to guarantee compliance with severe safety standards. The FSSAI clarified that these measures are aimed at bolstering consumer safety and maintaining high-quality standards across the food industry. With water being an essential commodity, ensuring its safety holds paramount importance.
This move marks a significant step in FSSAI’s efforts to ensure the availability of clean and safe food products, aligning with its broader mission of protecting public health. It is highlighted that all Centrally Licensed Manufacturers in High-Risk Food Categories must have their operations audited by a certified third-party food safety auditing agency every year. Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water have been added to the High-Risk Food Categories list.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory which ensures food safety and public health. It also focuses on promoting consumer awareness through initiatives such as Eat Right India and Safe Food Practices. The authority also works closely with food business operators, scientists, and policymakers to address emerging food safety challenges. By adopting scientific methods and risk-based approaches, FSSAI aims to build a transparent, accountable, and safe food ecosystem, ensuring trust and well-being for consumers across the country.