The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has redefined its regulatory framework for packaged drinking and mineral water by classifying them as a "High-Risk Food Category." This significant move aims to bolster safety and quality standards for one of the most consumed products in India. With mandatory inspections and third-party audits now in place, both manufacturers and consumers can expect stricter measures to ensure product safety.

Revised Standards: Packaged Water Under High-Risk Food Category

On November 29, FSSAI announced the inclusion of packaged drinking and mineral water in its high-risk food category. This follows a government decision to eliminate the need for mandatory certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Under the revised Risk-Based Inspection Policy, manufacturers will now undergo annual, risk-based inspections and a comprehensive review of their facilities before obtaining licenses or registrations.

According to the FSSAI order, “All centrally licensed manufacturers under high-risk food categories shall get their businesses audited annually by an FSSAI-recognised third-party food safety auditing agency.” This shift marks an important step in prioritizing consumer safety while keeping regulatory requirements streamlined.

Mandatory Inspections and Audits: A New Compliance Norm

The updated regulatory framework introduces three key compliance requirements for packaged water manufacturers:

Annual Risk-Based Inspections: These inspections aim to identify potential risks and ensure manufacturers follow safety protocols.

Pre-License Audits: Before granting licenses or registrations, manufacturers must pass stringent inspections to validate their operational standards.

Third-Party Annual Audits: Recognized by FSSAI, third-party agencies will now conduct annual audits to maintain consistent oversight and quality assurance.

This framework is designed to mitigate risks associated with packaged water products, which, despite their reputation for safety, have been found vulnerable to lapses in quality.

Simplifying Compliance While Prioritizing Safety

Before these new guidelines, the packaged water industry had repeatedly requested simplified regulations. Manufacturers found the earlier requirement for dual certification from both BIS and FSSAI burdensome. While the removal of mandatory BIS certification has eased compliance challenges, the introduction of mandatory inspections and audits balances this by focusing on stringent quality control.

Industry experts see this as a step in the right direction. An FSSAI official explained, “This change not only ensures the safety of packaged water but also simplifies compliance for manufacturers, striking a balance between consumer safety and industry convenience.” The new regulations also align with consumer demands for higher-quality products and greater accountability.

Consumer Safety at the Core of Reforms

Packaged water is often viewed as a convenient and safe alternative in the absence of potable water. However, reports of contamination and substandard quality have raised concerns about its safety. FSSAI’s decision to classify it as a high-risk food product directly addresses these concerns.

Mandatory annual audits by third-party agencies are a cornerstone of this reform. Conducted by food safety experts, these audits provide an unbiased evaluation of manufacturing processes and quality controls, ensuring no compromise in safety. By enforcing regular inspections, FSSAI aims to protect consumer trust while encouraging manufacturers to adopt better practices.

Impact on the Packaged Water Industry

The revised regulations bring significant changes for manufacturers in the packaged water sector. While the removal of BIS certification has reduced compliance burdens, the mandatory inspections and audits require companies to invest in robust quality assurance systems. These changes promote transparency and operational efficiency but may increase costs for manufacturers in the short term.

For consumers, however, the changes are a welcome move. With stricter oversight, they can expect safer and higher-quality products. The industry, while adapting to these norms, must ensure that its products remain affordable and accessible to meet growing demand.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)