The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has declared packaged mineral water a high-risk food category, raising alarms over consumer health and safety. The decision comes after the government eased mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for these products, igniting concerns about quality control.
This classification extends to products vulnerable to poor packaging and storage, including dairy items, fish, and pre-cut vegetables. All such high-risk items will undergo stringent safety inspections, ensuring they meet rigorous quality standards.
FSSAI has mandated annual audits for manufacturers of high-risk products, to be conducted by accredited third-party food safety auditors, aiming to strengthen oversight and accountability in the food sector.
Recent raids have revealed shocking lapses, with authorities confiscating over 6,000 fake water bottles and 19,000 liters of counterfeit packaged water from facilities in Chandrayangutta and Kacheguda. Even popular brands like Bisleri and Kinley weren’t spared, with counterfeit versions being seized during these operations.
To address these alarming issues, FSSAI is rolling out enhanced safety guidelines for packaged mineral water. The initiative underscores a commitment to consumer protection, tackling widespread concerns about food safety, hygiene, and the growing menace of counterfeit products.
