New Delhi, December 3, 2024 — India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has reclassified packaged drinking water and mineral water as “high-risk food,” a decision aimed at ensuring more rigorous safety standards and quality control. This change comes as part of FSSAI’s ongoing efforts to address public health concerns related to bottled water, which is a daily necessity for millions across the country.
The new guidelines require manufacturers to undergo pre-license inspections, annual audits, and adhere to stringent safety protocols before they can produce and distribute packaged water. These measures are intended to improve safety standards and minimize health risks associated with contaminated or substandard water.
Although the reclassification does not imply that packaged water is inherently unsafe, it emphasizes the importance of regular checks and industry accountability. The FSSAI’s move to have third-party agencies conduct inspections ensures that manufacturers meet the highest standards. This shift also eliminates the need for dual certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and FSSAI, a step that previously created administrative burdens for businesses.
The goal of these new measures is to protect consumers and strengthen the integrity of the packaged water industry. With stricter regulations in place, FSSAI aims to foster a more transparent and reliable supply of drinking water across the country, ensuring better public health outcomes.
