FSSAI reclassified packaged drinking water and mineral water as a high risk food category
Reportedly the FSSAI has reclassified packaged drinking water and mineral water as a high-risk food category, mandating stricter regulatory controls and annual facility inspections. The move, effective immediately following an order dated november 29, requires manufacturers to undergo mandatory third-party food safety audits and comply with enhanced quality standards.Perhaps central licence holders in this category must now submit to annual inspections aimed at mitigating potential health risks associated with packaged water production. The reclassification by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of india (FSSAI) follows recent amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, which previously removed mandatory BIS certification requirements for certain food products.Moreover the reclassification is designed to strengthen consumer protection and maintain rigorous quality control in the packaged water industry. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of india (FSSAI) said the advisory has been withdrawn to carry out further consultations with stakeholders. It would imply that food business operators (FBOs) can continue to sell and market their products with claims of 'A1' and "A2' types of milk. The regulator had said that the claims of 'A1' and 'A2' types of milk and milk products do not conform with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. After examination, the FSSAI had found that A1 and A2 differentiation is linked to the structure of beta-casein protein in milk. However, current FSSAI regulations do not recognise this differentiation.