• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has re-classified packaged drinking water and mineral water as a high-risk food category, mandating stricter regulatory controls and annual facility inspections.

• The re-classification by the FSSAI follows recent amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, which previously removed mandatory BIS certification requirements for certain food products.

• The re-classification is designed to strengthen consumer protection and maintain rigorous quality control in the packaged water industry. 

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been established under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which consolidates various Acts and orders that have hitherto handled food related issues in various ministries and departments. 

• The FSSAI is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

• FSSAI was created for laying down scientific standards for food articles and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

The main functions of FSSAI include:

i) Setting globally benchmarked regulations, standards and guidelines.

ii) Facilitating compliance through licensing, registration, inspection and improved laboratory network.

iii) Building capacity of regulatory staff as well as food business operators.

iv) Driving public health initiatives in the true spirit of convergence.

v) Leveraging IEC (Information, Education & Communication) and BCC (behaviour change communication) techniques to build a food safety culture.

vi) Embracing technology to streamline processes. 

vii) Forging strategic partnerships to generate and exchange knowledge and best practices.

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