India’s food safety landscape has taken a bold turn with the recent reclassification of packaged drinking water and mineral water as “high-risk food” products. This development, initiated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), is aimed at tightening safety protocols and ensuring public trust in these essential products. While the term “high-risk” may sound alarming, it’s not a signal of danger but rather a call for stricter oversight.  

Packaged drinking water and mineral water are among the most consumed products in urban and rural India. Their convenience and perceived purity have made them staples for millions. However, the FSSAI’s move to place them in the high-risk category reflects an evolving regulatory framework designed to prioritize public health.  

Historically, these products required dual certification from both the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and FSSAI. This system, while ensuring quality, also created hurdles for manufacturers, including increased costs and bureaucratic delays. To address these challenges, the government recently eliminated the mandatory BIS certification. Instead, the focus has shifted to FSSAI-led inspections and audits, ensuring a streamlined yet robust safety net.  

What Does “High-Risk” Really Mean?  
Contrary to public misconceptions, being labelled as “high-risk” does not imply inherent danger in consuming these products. Rather, it denotes the need for heightened scrutiny and regular monitoring due to the nature of the product and its widespread consumption. Foods categorized as high-risk undergo:  
- Mandatory annual audits by FSSAI-recognized third-party agencies.  
- Rigorous inspections before manufacturers are granted licenses or registrations.  
- Continuous monitoring by state and union territory food commissioners.  

This reclassification ensures that manufacturers maintain high-quality standards, safeguarding consumers from potential health risks.  
 
The removal of the BIS certification requirement marks a significant shift in India’s regulatory framework for packaged water. For years, the industry had advocated for a single-certification system to eliminate redundancy. Under the old system, businesses faced:  
- Higher operational costs due to dual certifications.  
- Time-consuming administrative processes that delayed market entry.  
- Unnecessary procedural complexities, making compliance more challenging.  

With the revised guidelines, manufacturers now undergo a risk-based inspection system under FSSAI. While this reduces administrative burdens, it also raises the bar for compliance, as the audits and inspections are now more focused and regular.  
 
The FSSAI has always been at the forefront of ensuring food safety in India. By reclassifying packaged water and mineral water as high-risk, the agency highlights its commitment to consumer well-being. The move also aligns with global practices, where regulatory bodies implement similar protocols for widely consumed food and beverage items.  

Under the new guidelines, the inspection and monitoring process includes:  
1. Risk-based annual audits: Conducted by FSSAI-approved food safety agencies.  
2. Periodic checks: Performed by designated officers or food safety officers to ensure compliance.  
3. State-level monitoring: Food commissioners in every state and union territory oversee the implementation of these guidelines.  

This multi-tiered approach not only ensures accountability but also fosters a culture of safety and trust.  

In a country where access to clean drinking water remains a challenge, packaged drinking water has become a lifeline for many. However, with its growing popularity comes the responsibility of ensuring its safety. Contamination risks, improper handling, and substandard manufacturing practices have occasionally raised concerns.  

By tightening regulations, the FSSAI aims to address these issues proactively. The annual audits and regular inspections are expected to act as deterrents against malpractices, ultimately benefiting consumers.  
 
Packaged water isn’t the only product under the high-risk category. The FSSAI’s classification includes a range of food items that require stringent monitoring due to their potential impact on public health. These include:  
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt, which are prone to spoilage and contamination.  
- Meat and meat products: Including poultry, which must be handled under controlled conditions.  
- Seafood: Fish, molluscs, and crustaceans, known for their vulnerability to spoilage.  
- Prepared foods and Indian sweets: High in sugar and prone to microbial growth if not stored properly.  
- Nutritional products: Such as fortified rice kernels, which require precision in processing and storage.  

By grouping these items under a single category, the FSSAI ensures a uniform approach to monitoring and compliance.  

The term “high-risk” might alarm some consumers, leading to misconceptions about the safety of packaged water. It is essential to communicate that this classification is not an indictment of the product’s quality but a proactive measure to ensure higher safety standards.  

Moreover, with the elimination of BIS certification, the FSSAI’s focused audits and inspections bring a new level of transparency and accountability. This streamlined system not only benefits manufacturers but also reassures consumers about the quality of the products they rely on daily.  

India’s food industry is vast and diverse, catering to a population of over 1.4 billion. Ensuring safety across this spectrum is no small feat. By implementing stricter protocols for high-risk foods, the FSSAI sets a precedent for other categories, fostering a culture of safety and compliance.  

Additionally, these measures align with India’s broader goals of improving public health and reducing the burden of foodborne illnesses. They also position India as a global leader in food safety, enhancing its reputation in international markets.  

While the revised guidelines are a step in the right direction, their implementation comes with its own set of challenges:  
- Ensuring compliance: With thousands of manufacturers across the country, ensuring adherence to the new guidelines will require significant resources and coordination.  
- Raising awareness: Both consumers and manufacturers need to understand the rationale behind the high-risk classification to prevent misinformation.  
- Maintaining consistency: Regular audits and inspections must be conducted uniformly across all states and union territories.  

Addressing these challenges will require collaboration between the FSSAI, state governments, and the food industry.  
 
The FSSAI’s decision to classify packaged drinking water and mineral water as high-risk food represents a paradigm shift in India’s approach to food safety. By eliminating redundant certifications and focusing on regular inspections, the agency has created a framework that benefits both manufacturers and consumers.  

While challenges remain, this move showcases India’s commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of its food and beverage products. For consumers, it’s a reassurance that the packaged water they rely on is held to the highest standards. For manufacturers, it’s an opportunity to build trust and credibility in an increasingly competitive market.  

In a world where food safety is becoming a critical concern, India’s proactive measures set an example for others to follow. By prioritizing public health, the FSSAI ensures that safety remains at the forefront of India’s food industry.