Your ‘Bottled Water’ now under scrutiny: FSSAI raises the stakes on safety

Introduction:

Imagine reaching for a bottle of water on a hot day, expecting refreshment, only to find it contaminated. A concerning scenario, right? The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently classified packaged drinking water as a "high-risk" food category, highlighting the potential dangers lurking in those seemingly innocuous bottles. This move comes amid growing concerns about food safety and hygiene, with recent raids exposing alarming violations in the bottled water industry.

High-Risk: What does it mean?

"High-risk" foods, as defined by the FSSAI, are those susceptible to contamination, improper storage, or mishandling, increasing the risk of food borne illnesses. Think raw meat, seafood, dairy products – and now, packaged drinking water. This new classification subjects bottled water to stricter regulations and surveillance, including mandatory risk inspections and annual third-party audits for manufacturers.

Why the increased scrutiny?

The FSSAI's decision follows the removal of mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for certain products, including packaged drinking water. This removal created a potential regulatory gap, prompting the FSSAI to step in and enhance safety measures. Recent raids have exposed the vulnerability of the bottled water industry to malpractice.

Examples of violations:

• November 16th, Chandrayanagutta: A raid on a water plant revealed improper filtration practices, leading to the seizure of 6,528 bottles.

• November 14th, Kacheguda: Authorities raided K2 King Aqua and Beverages, seizing 19,268 liters of counterfeit packaged water. These bottles, falsely branded as popular brands like Bisleri and Kinley, had significantly lower than the prescribed TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level of 75 mg/L.

These incidents highlight the need for increased vigilance and stricter regulations in the bottled water industry.

Impact on Consumers and the Industry:

This move by the FSSAI has significant implications. For consumers, it provides greater assurance of safety and quality when purchasing packaged drinking water. For the industry, it necessitates a heightened commitment to hygiene, quality control, and adherence to regulations.

The classification of packaged drinking water as a "high-risk" food category is a wake-up call for both consumers and the industry. It underscores the importance of stringent safety standards and continuous monitoring to ensure the purity and safety of this essential commodity. By raising the bar on quality and accountability, the FSSAI is taking a crucial step towards safeguarding public health and reinforcing consumer trust in the bottled water industry.