India’s food regulatory body, FSSAI, has reclassified packaged drinking water and mineral water as ‘high-risk food.’ This means that manufacturers are subject to annual inspections and audits.

In a significant regulatory shift, India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has categorised packaged drinking water and mineral water as “high-risk food”. This decision, outlined in a recent notification, signals that these products will now undergo more stringent safety checks through regular inspections and audits.

Background of the decision

The reclassification follows the government’s October decision to remove the requirement for Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for these products. While the move aims to streamline regulations, it introduces more rigorous safety protocols for manufacturers. 

Under the updated guidelines, manufacturers and processors of packaged drinking and mineral water must now pass mandatory inspections before obtaining a licence or registration. Additionally, businesses in the high-risk food category will be required to undergo annual audits by FSSAI-recognised third-party food safety agencies. These measures ensure that the products remain safe for consumption while maintaining high-quality standards.