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 avoid dual approvals but will face a stricter testing framework and compliance regime.

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

In a recently issued directive, FSSAI announced details of a scheme for testing packaged drinking water and mineral water and directed manufacturers to comply with the testing mechanism from January 1.

1,600 pieces

There are approximately 1,600 packaged drinking water production units across the state. With FSSAI replacing the mandatory BIS Mark, around 40% avoided renewing the BIS certification.

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

A. Shakespeare, founder president of the Greater Tamil Nadu Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers Association, said manufacturers could face legal action and license cancellation if samples fail to meet quality standards under the new regulatory framework.

Due to competition, the number of new players has decreased by 20% in the last few years. However, the demand for packaged drinking water in the state remains stable at 5 million liters per day. Of this, water consumption in Chennai and its neighborhood is three million liters.

Manufacturers have called on authorities to establish a strict testing mechanism for still water-based beverages, including herbal water.

‘Build more laboratories’

Consumer associations said new testing regulations should ensure better quality and prevent unauthorized units. T. Sadagopan, president of Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Centre, emphasized the need to set up more testing laboratories in local bodies, simplify the licensing process and introduce periodic third-party inspections of manufacturing facilities to ensure effective implementation of FSSAI regulations.

Health officials said the testing regime covers all categories of packaged water that fall under the high-risk food category. “Manufacturers of packaged drinking water carry out quality checks by private organizations or laboratories recognized by the Quality Council of India. Food safety officials will check the quality during inspections,” an official said.

Meanwhile, BIS continues to accept applications for standards certification, but numbers have decreased. BIS has its own market surveillance mechanism and action will be taken against misuse of the ISI brand, officials said.