The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reclassified Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water as "High Risk Food Categories." This new categorization mandates stricter regulatory oversight, including more frequent inspections and mandatory annual audits for manufacturers. The move aims to enhance food safety standards and ensure the quality of these essential beverages for consumers.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an order on November 29, 2024, reclassifying Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water as "High Risk Food Categories." This decision, based on FSSAI Order No. RCD-02001/2021-Policy-Reg. dated May 22, 2022, aims to strengthen food safety regulations for these essential beverages.
Key changes include:
- Increased inspection frequency for manufacturers of Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water, emphasizing proactive monitoring and risk mitigation.
- Mandatory annual audits for all Centrally Licensed Manufacturers under the revised "High Risk Food Categories," ensuring compliance with stringent food safety standards.
- Amendment to the Risk Based Inspection Scheduling (RBIS) policy to incorporate these changes, streamlining the inspection process and enhancing its effectiveness.
- Reinforced focus on hygiene and sanitation within manufacturing facilities for Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water.
- Enhanced consumer confidence by ensuring the safety and quality of these essential beverages.
>This move, implemented under the authority of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, reflects FSSAI's commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of food products available to Indian consumers.
>This paragraph highlights the increased focus on hygiene and sanitation within manufacturing facilities and emphasizes the positive impact of these changes on consumer confidence.