On 12 March 2024, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a Direction regarding the re-operationalization of the draft Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations relating to standards for Packaged Drinking Water (other than Mineral Water).
The Direction is effective from 01 January 2024.
Regulatory Background
- The draft amendment pertains to quality parameters for packaged drinking water.
- It applies specifically to Packaged Drinking Water (other than Mineral Water).
- The re-operationalization restores the applicability of revised limits as mentioned in the draft amendment.
Modified Limits Under the Direction
The following parameters have been revised:
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 75 to 500 mg/l
- Calcium (as Ca): 10 to 75 mg/l
- Magnesium (as Mg): 50 to 30 mg/l
These modifications impact the permissible mineral composition of packaged drinking water regulated under FSSAI standards.
Implications for Food Business Operators (FBOs)
- Manufacturers of packaged drinking water (excluding mineral water) must ensure compliance with the revised limits.
- Testing protocols and quality control processes may require alignment with the updated standards.
- Product formulations, treatment processes, and laboratory reports should reflect the revised parameters effective from 01 January 2024.
Food Business Operators are advised to review the official FSSAI Direction and ensure strict adherence to the updated standards to avoid regulatory non-compliance.