Packaged Drinking Water Now a ‘High-Risk’ Food Category: FSSAI Mandates Annual Audits

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has elevated packaged drinking and mineral water to the ‘high-risk’ food category. This critical update, effective from November 29, 2024, mandates annual third-party food safety audits for businesses holding central licenses in this segment. The move aims to enhance consumer safety and ensure stricter quality control.

This reclassification follows recent amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. The amendment had earlier removed the mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for certain food products, including packaged water. However, recognizing the health risks associated with its production, FSSAI has now placed packaged drinking water under the high-risk category.

Why the Change?

Packaged drinking water is a staple product for millions of consumers, making its safety paramount. By reclassifying it as high-risk, FSSAI seeks to strengthen the regulatory framework to mitigate potential health hazards. The annual audits will ensure adherence to stringent safety protocols, safeguarding public health and boosting consumer trust in packaged water products.

FSSAI stated, “The reclassification is designed to fortify consumer protection and uphold rigorous quality control in the packaged water industry.” Notably, other food products previously requiring BIS certification had already been placed in the high-risk category.

What Does This Mean for Food Businesses?

Central license holders in the packaged water industry must now comply with mandatory third-party safety audits each year. This will require businesses to:

• Maintain high standards of hygiene and safety during production.
• Be prepared for regular inspections to validate compliance.
• Focus on continual improvement to align with evolving food safety norms.

This shift emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in ensuring the safety and quality of packaged drinking water.

Impact on Consumers and the Industry

For consumers, this step reinforces the trustworthiness of packaged drinking water, minimizing health risks. For businesses, it underscores the need for rigorous compliance and quality assurance, which may also serve as a competitive advantage in the market.

With consumer safety at the forefront, this reclassification is a win-win for all stakeholders, marking a pivotal moment in India’s packaged water industry.