FSSAI reclassified packaged drinking water and mineral water as ‘high-risk food,’ thereby bringing their manufacture within the scope of an annual inspection and audit.
India’s food regulator put packaged drinking water and mineral water in the “high-risk food” category, under which they would be required to undergo annual inspection and audit by their food regulatory authority, as notified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
This follows the government’s decision in October to scrap the need for BIS certification on these products.
Companies in high-risk food categories like packaged drinking water must undergo annual audits conducted by FSSAI-recognised third-party food safety agencies.
FSSAI labeling packaged drinking and mineral water as “high-risk food” is nothing to fear. These products are not harmful, but they require strict safety checks.
Now, manufacturers and companies must undergo periodic inspections and annual audits to keep their quality safe for consumers. This makes it easier to implement stronger safety norms.
Previously, the packaged drinking water industry had demanded smooth regulation, including eliminating dual certification requirements by BIS and FSSAI.
