Why FSSAI has put packaged drinking water in 'high-risk' category

What if the water you sip from a sleek, sealed bottle isn’t as safe as it seems?

In a striking move, India’s apex food safety regulator has declared packaged drinking and mineral water a ‘high-risk’ food item. This classification isn’t just a label — it’s a mandate for stricter quality control for its manufacturers, who must now pass annual inspections before their licences are granted, a notification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) stated.

But what does the “high-risk” category mean? Is packaged mineral water no longer safe for drinking? We have the answers.

Why is water placed in the ‘high-risk’ category?

FSSAI’s decision to classify packaged drinking water and mineral water as “high-risk food” is not a cause for alarm. It does not imply that these products are unsafe but instead introduces stricter safety protocols, including mandatory inspections and third-party audits, to maintain quality.

This notification, issued November 27, follows a significant regulatory change where the government removed the requirement for business operators to obtain dual certification—both a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification and a food safety licence—for their products.

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This simplification reduced costs, administrative hurdles, and delays for businesses.

As per Wright Research, India’s bottled water market has undergone significant growth in recent years and has reached a valuation of $3.84 billion in 2024. While this surge in demand echoes the increasing preference for packaged water, it also created the need for enhanced regulatory checks to uphold safety standards for consumers.

The recent order clarified, “Consequent to the omission of sub-regulation … which pertains to mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for certain food products, it has been decided that packaged drinking water and mineral water (for which BIS certification was mandatory prior…) will be treated under high-risk food categories. It is to be noted that other food products for which BIS certification was mandatory are already identified as high-risk…”

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What does ‘high-risk’ food mean?

The FSSAI classifies food items based on their risk of contamination, ensuring that facilities dealing with high-risk foods undergo regular inspections to uphold safety standards.

Designated food safety officers carry out these inspections, following a strict implementation plan. State and Union Territory food commissioners monitor the inspection process, ensuring that all facilities comply with safety measures.

Further, follow-up inspections are conducted if needed, and inspections are also performed during licence renewals or in response to complaints and emergencies, such as foodborne outbreaks.

Poor food hygiene can have severe consequences, ranging from food poisoning to fatalities. Beyond health risks, inadequate safety practices can also lead to financial losses, brand damage, customer complaints, legal actions, and hefty fines. As such, maintaining high standards of food safety is crucial for both public health and business success.

Other food categories identified as high-risk include dairy products, meat and meat products (including poultry, fish, and shellfish), eggs, fortified rice kernels, Indian sweets, and specific foods intended for nutritional uses.

Ways to stay safe

As consumers, we have a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of the bottled water we consume. Here are a few simple tips to help safeguard your health:

Inspect the bottle before purchase: Always check for any visible damage or signs of tampering on the bottle. Look for certifications to guarantee the water’s purity and safety.

Check expiry date: Bottled water typically remains safe for up to six months when stored in cool, dark conditions. However, before buying, ensure the water is fresh and within its shelf life to avoid consuming expired products.

Opt for trusted brands: Opt for well-established brands that are more likely to meet quality standards to protect their reputation. Avoid purchasing water from unregulated sources, as they carry a higher risk of contamination.

Consider carrying your own bottle: Switching to reusable water bottles helps minimise your exposure to potential contaminants. Additionally, it reduces single-use plastic waste, benefiting both your health and the environment by promoting sustainability.

With input from agencies