FSSAI tightens testing norms for packaged water, drops BIS mandate

With the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) proposing to remove the requirement for mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for packaged drinking water from January 1, manufacturing units in Tamil Nadu may be spared of dual approvals, but will face a stricter testing framework and compliance regime.

Meanwhile, consumer groups have sought a wider network of accredited testing laboratories to ensure effective monitoring and consistent quality.

In a recent directive, the FSSAI has detailed a scheme for testing packaged drinking water and mineral water, and directed manufacturers to comply with the testing mechanism from January 1.

1,600 units

There are nearly 1,600 packaged drinking water manufacturing units across the State. With the FSSAI replacing the mandatory BIS Mark, nearly 40% of them have refrained from renewing their BIS certification.

Manufacturing unit owners noted that the new FSSAI testing framework would mean higher operational costs to meet additional and frequent testing requirement, including microbiological parameters.

A. Shakespeare, founder-president, Greater Tamil Nadu Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers Association, said manufacturers could face judicial proceedings and licence cancellation if the samples failed to meet the quality standards under the new regulatory framework.

The number of new players has dwindled by 20% over the past few years owing to competition. However, the demand for packaged drinking water remains steady at five crore litres daily in the State. Of this, the water consumption in Chennai and its neighbourhood is three crore litres.

Manufacturers urged the authorities to frame a stringent testing mechanism for non-carbonated water-based beverages, including herbal water.

‘Set up more labs’

Consumers associations said the new testing regulations should ensure better quality and curb unauthorised units. T. Sadagopan, president, Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Centre, stressed the need to establish more testing laboratories across local bodies, simplify licensing process, and introduce periodic third-party inspections of manufacturing plants to enable effective implementation of FSSAI regulations.

Health officials said the testing regime included all categories of packaged  water, which falls under the high-risk food category. “Manufacturers of packaged drinking water get quality checks carried out by private agencies or laboratories recognised by the Quality Council of India. Food safety officials will check for quality during inspections,” an official said.

Meanwhile, BIS continues to receive applications for standards certification, though the numbers have declined. Officials said the BIS has its own market surveillance mechanism, and action would be taken against misuse of the ISI mark.