FSSAI put bottled water in high risk category

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reclassified packaged drinking/mineral water under the ‘high-risk’ food category, mandating annual third-party food safety audits. The move is effective immediately following an order dated November 29, 2024, and central licence holders in this category must now submit to annual inspections aimed at mitigating potential health risks associated with packaged water production.

As per the FSSAI’s order, businesses in high-risk food categories, including packaged drinking water, will need to undergo annual audits by third-party food safety agencies recognised by FSSAI.

This aims to improve the safety and quality standards of these products for consumers. The change follows the government’s October decision to remove the requirement for certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for these products.

Previously, the packaged drinking water industry had called for simplified regulations, requesting the removal of dual certification requirements from both BIS and FSSAI.