FSSAI Labels Packaged Drinking Water ‘High-Risk’: What It Means for You

Remember hearing "Bisleri is veri veri extraordinari"? This was the first advertisement for Bisleri, a packaged drinking water brand in India which featured the line. Today, there are several brands and companies that sell packaged drinking water. From your nukkad wali restaurant to a fancy dine-in at the mall, you are asked if you would like to have packaged drinking water. It has been the norm to just pick a bottle on your way, be it to work, meetings, on the train or at the airport. But how safe is this packaged water?

In a significant move, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has classified packaged drinking and mineral water under the 'high-risk food' category. This change, announced on November 27, aims to tighten safety standards and regulations for packaged drinking water, ensuring that every bottle reaching consumers is safe, clean, and uncontaminated.

Why the Shift to ‘High-Risk’ Category?

The decision to classify packaged drinking water as high-risk follows a growing concern about the contamination and adulteration of bottled water. The FSSAI's new regulatory measures are designed to address these concerns by enforcing stricter quality controls and safety protocols for manufacturers. 

Packaged drinking water, while generally considered safe, has been under scrutiny in recent years due to rising instances of contamination and the presence of harmful substances in some brands. As consumer demand for bottled water has surged — with the Indian bottled water market reaching a valuation of $3.84 billion in 2024 — FSSAI aims to ensure that the products meet high-quality standards.

Stricter Regulations for Manufacturers

Under the new regulations, manufacturers of packaged drinking and mineral water will be subject to mandatory annual inspections before they are granted a licence or registration. These risk-based inspections will evaluate various aspects of manufacturing, from the water source to the bottling process, ensuring compliance with hygiene and safety standards.

In addition, the new rules stipulate that all high-risk food manufacturers, including bottled water companies, must undergo annual audits by third-party food safety agencies recognised by FSSAI. This third-party audit system is intended to provide an independent assessment of the quality and safety of the product, ensuring that manufacturers adhere to the highest standards.

Simplifying Industry Compliance

Interestingly, this move follows a regulatory change that removed the requirement for packaged drinking water manufacturers to obtain dual certification from both the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and FSSAI. The simplification of this process, which reduces the burden on manufacturers, helps to streamline compliance procedures, reduce costs, and eliminate administrative delays for businesses. Experts believe that this change will ease the overall regulatory burden while still maintaining high-quality standards for packaged water.

What Does This Mean for Consumers?

While this reclassification doesn't imply that packaged drinking water is unsafe, it does indicate that manufacturers will now be held to stricter standards. This provides greater assurance to consumers that the bottled water they purchase will be of higher quality and free from contamination.

Simple Ways to Verify the Authenticity of a Mineral Water Bottle

In India, reports of adulteration in bottled mineral water are not uncommon. Therefore, it is essential to verify the authenticity of packaged drinking water before purchasing it. Here are five easy methods to help you check the authenticity of a mineral water bottle:

1. Look for the ISI Mark

First and foremost, check for the ISI (Indian Standards Institute) mark on the bottle. This mark ensures that the water meets the required quality and safety standards. If the bottle lacks the ISI mark, it is best not to purchase it.

2. Verify with the BIS Care App

You can also use the Indian Standards Institute's BIS Care app to check the authenticity of the product.

• Download the app
• Select the "Verify License Details" option
• Enter the CM/L number, manufacturer name, company address, district, and state
• Verify the ISI number and its validity

3. Check the FSSAI Licence Number

Look for the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) licence number on the bottle. This number indicates that the manufacturer has met all the required health and safety standards. You can check the validity of this licence number on the official FSSAI website.

4. Inspect the Bottle and Cap

Examine the bottle and cap closely. Ensure there are no scratches, holes, or leaks on the bottle. The cap should be securely sealed, with no signs of tampering. If there is any visible damage to the bottle or cap, avoid purchasing it.

5. Verify the Expiry Date

Always check the expiry date on the bottle. Drinking water past its expiry date can pose health risks. Ensure that the water is still within its valid period before purchasing.

6. Assess the Taste and Colour of the Water

The water should appear clear and have no odd smell or taste. If you notice any unusual colour, taste, or odour, do not consume the water.

To ensure safety, always opt for mineral water from reputable brands. Keep the bottle out of direct sunlight and consume opened bottles promptly. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a bottle, do not buy it, and inform the relevant authorities. It is also crucial to protect your health by inspecting bottles for any visible damage, checking expiry dates, and choosing well-established brands. Avoid purchasing bottled water from unregulated sources.

Beware of Counterfeit Brands

The issue of counterfeit bottled water brands continues to grow. For example, in early October, Jitendra Pratap Singh, the district magistrate of Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh, discovered a counterfeit "Billseri" water bottle during an official meeting. He immediately ordered an investigation and instructed the food safety department to verify the authenticity of the bottles. The bottles were found to lack the mandatory FSSAI seal, and over 2,600 fake bottles were seized and destroyed. The warehouse where these bottles were stored was sealed.

This incident highlights not only the problem of counterfeit products but also the broader concerns about the quality and safety of drinking water. While authorities focus on tackling fake brands, questions are arising about the water purification process itself and the potential loss of essential nutrients during the purification process. Even legitimate bottled water may not always provide the nutrients necessary for good health.

The bottled water market in India has expanded rapidly due to increasing health concerns and the scarcity of clean drinking water. Major brands such as Bisleri, Kinley, and Aquafina dominate the market.

According to the Trade Promotion Council of India, the packaged drinking water market in India was valued at $24 billion in 2019, with projections estimating it will reach over 826 billion rupees by 2030. This market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.03% from 2022 to 2030. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulates the bottled water industry in India under the IS 14543 standard for packaged mineral water.

The Growing Need for Enhanced Safety

As the demand for bottled water continues to rise, so does the need for regulatory oversight to ensure that the products we consume are safe. FSSAI's move to classify packaged drinking water as high-risk is a proactive step in meeting this demand, and it highlights the need for continued vigilance in the food safety sector. 

FSSAI’s decision to classify packaged drinking water as a high-risk food category will ensure that strict safety measures are followed by manufacturers. While it does not imply that bottled water is unsafe, it provides consumers with added assurance that the water they are drinking has been thoroughly checked for safety and purity. By following these enhanced regulations and conducting regular inspections and audits, FSSAI aims to make packaged drinking water a safer option for all consumers. 

In the meantime, consumers are encouraged to be mindful of the products they choose and to support brands that are committed to maintaining high safety and quality standards.