Bhubaneswar: Packaged drinking water is often perceived as the safest bet when access to clean drinking water is limited. However, a startling revelation by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) may change your perspective forever. In a recent move, the FSSAI has categorized packaged drinking and mineral water as a ‘High Risk Food Category’.
Going by an order dated November 29, the FSSAI has classified packaged drinking water and mineral water under the High-Risk Food Categories.
“It is reiterated that all Centrally Licensed Manufacturers under High Risk Food Categories shall get its business audited by FSSAI recognised third party food safety auditing agency every year. The list of High Risk Food Categories now also includes Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water. This issues with the approval of Competent Authority”, read the official order.
FSSAI has said, “As a consequence of the omission of the mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for certain products, it has been decided that ‘Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water’ will be treated under ‘High Risk Food Categories.’”
As per the order, manufacturers of packaged drinking water and mineral water must now comply with stricter quality norms and undergo mandatory third-party food safety audits.
