Packaged and mineral water included in high risk category: FSSAI

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has classified packaged drinking and mineral waters as high-risk foods. Under this, these products will now be subject to mandatory risk monitoring and third party audit.

According to FSSAI, high risk category foods include contaminated, poorly stored and mishandled products. This increases the risk of foodborne illnesses, which is why such foods require strict rules and monitoring before eating them. Apart from packaged drinking water, this category includes raw meat, fish, dairy products, fresh cut fruits, vegetables, ready-to-eat foods, ready-to-eat meals, salads, sweets. It is noteworthy that last October, the government had removed the requirement of certification from Bureau of Indian Standards (BSI) for these products. Now these foods must undergo mandatory risk monitoring and third-party audits to ensure their safety. The decision of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has now dealt a big blow to the companies manufacturing packaged drinking water and mineral water. Now it will be necessary to have BIS mark on water bottles sold in the market.