The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) has categorized “Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water” under “High Risk Food Categories” through Order dated 29th November, 2024. This is further to FSSAI’s amendment to its Risk Based Inspection Scheduling Policy dated 2nd May, 2022 to include Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water in its high risk food category categorization.
Background: FSSAI earlier identified other food products for which BIS certification was mandatory as ‘high risk food categories’ under FSSAI’s Risk Based Inspection Scheduling [RBIS] policy.
Key Highlights:
- FSSAI has now included Non-Alcoholic (“Soft”) Beverages – Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water in its high-risk categorization;
- Manufacturers and processors of these products are subject to mandatory inspection before being granted a license or registration;
- Food Business Operators (“FBOs”) engaged in producing packaged drinking water and mineral water are required to undergo mandatory inspections at least once a year;
- All centrally licensed manufacturers under high-risk food category are required to get their business audited by FSSAI recognised third party food safety auditing agency every year.
A Copy of the Notification is linked below for your ease of reference.
Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
