December 3, 2024: In a significant regulatory shift, India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has categorized packaged drinking water and mineral water as "high-risk food" items. This new designation, announced in a recent notification, means that these products will now be subject to more rigorous inspections and audits, ensuring enhanced safety standards for consumers.

The move follows the government's decision in October to remove the mandatory certification requirement by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for packaged water. Under the revised guidelines, manufacturers and processors of packaged drinking water are now required to undergo mandatory inspections before receiving licenses or registrations.

As part of the new regulations, businesses in the high-risk food sector will also face annual audits conducted by FSSAI-recognized third-party food safety agencies. These audits are aimed at strengthening compliance with food safety measures and ensuring that the products meet the highest standards.

FSSAI's decision to place packaged drinking water and mineral water in the high-risk category is not a reflection of any inherent safety concerns but rather an effort to tighten oversight. The move ensures that manufacturers and businesses maintain consistent quality and adhere to stricter safety protocols.

This policy change aligns with the demands of the packaged drinking water industry, which had long lobbied for streamlined regulations. Prior to this, companies faced a cumbersome dual certification process, requiring approval from both BIS and FSSAI. The industry's push for regulatory simplification was driven by challenges such as high costs, administrative complexity, and delays in obtaining certifications.

In response to these concerns, the government decided in October to eliminate the BIS certification requirement, simplifying the process. However, the new framework emphasizes more robust monitoring, including risk-based inspections and yearly audits, as a critical part of maintaining safety standards.