India classifies packaged drinking, mineral water as ‘high-risk food category’
INDIA – The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has designated packaged drinking water and mineral water as a “High Risk Food Category” and introduced mandatory inspection and third-party audit norms to ensure stringent safety and quality standards.
The move follows the government’s October 2024 decision to eliminate the requirement for Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for these products. Instead, FSSAI will now oversee their compliance through mandatory inspections and audits.
Under the new rules, manufacturers of packaged drinking water and mineral water will be required to undergo annual, risk-based inspections before obtaining or renewing their licences or registrations.
In addition, these manufacturers must subject themselves to annual third-party audits conducted by FSSAI-recognized food safety agencies.
This decision comes in response to growing concerns about the safety and quality of packaged drinking water. FSSAI aims to enhance consumer confidence by addressing potential risks associated with these products.
Previously, the packaged drinking water industry had advocated for simplified regulations, particularly requesting the removal of the dual certification requirement from both BIS and FSSAI. This latest move streamlines regulatory oversight by focusing solely on FSSAI standards.
In a separate initiative, FSSAI recently addressed compliance practices within the e-commerce food sector. On November 12, 2024, FSSAI CEO G. Kamala Vardhana Rao held a meeting with e-commerce food business operators, urging them to adhere to food safety standards.
The regulator mandated that products listed on e-commerce platforms must have a minimum shelf life of 30 percent or at least 45 days before expiry at the time of delivery.
Furthermore, FSSAI emphasized that claims made on online platforms must align with product labels and comply with existing guidelines.
Additionally, FSSAI reinforced the importance of separating food and non-food items during delivery to avoid contamination risks. It reiterated that no operator may conduct business on e-commerce platforms without a valid FSSAI licence or registration.
In April 2024, the regulator had also revised classifications for several beverages, including energy drinks, which must comply with specific licencing requirements under the Food Product Standards and Food Additives Regulations, 2011.
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