Submission status of BIS certificate through FoSCoS portal to be reviewed by Food Safety Commissioners; non-compliance may lead to cancellation/ suspension of license; applicable to manufacturers of Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) has written to Food Safety Commissioners/ Authorities in States and Union Territories directing review /verification if existing licensees engaged in manufacturing Packaged Drinking Water (“PWD”) and Mineral Water (“MW”) have valid BIS certificates in place and if the same has been furnished by such licensees / manufacturers of PWD and MW through the FoSCoS portal. This is in light of complaints received regarding manufacture of PDW and MW without valid BIS Certification.

Background:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India vide its Order dated 26th March, 2021 (refer to trailing e-mail for detailed summary), prescribed BIS Certificate / application for BIS certificate as a pre-condition for issue of FSSAI license for manufacture of Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water. The Food Business Operators (“FBOs”) are further required to upload a copy of such license or the letter indicating the application of such on the FoSCoS portal at the time of applying for a new license for manufacture of PWD and MW.

In view of the above-mentioned, in the event BIS certificate is not available, notices will be issued to such FBOs to furnish the same in time bound manner, failing which license may be cancelled/ suspended under the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011.

The action taken report in this regard must be positively shared with FSSAI by 31st May, 2022.

A Copy of the Notification is attached herewith for your ease of reference.

Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India