The Department of Health & Family Welfare has raised an alarm over the operations of several Packaged Drinking Water (PDW) manufacturers and suppliers who are functioning without the mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) license. The BIS certification is a prerequisite for obtaining the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license or registration, ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water supplied to consumers.
According to the department, the consumption of clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right, and essential for maintaining good health. It is the responsibility of PDW manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that the water provided to customers is clean, hygienic, and safe.
The department emphasized the importance of adherence to Regulation 2.3.14 (17) and (18) of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011. These regulations explicitly state that no individual or entity is permitted to manufacture, sell, or exhibit for sale Packaged Drinking Water or Mineral Water without the BIS certification mark. This mandate applies to all PDW suppliers regardless of their annual turnover. Furthermore, the import of PDW or Mineral Water from outside the state is prohibited unless it carries the BIS certification.
The Department of Health & Family Welfare has warned that any failure to comply with these guidelines will result in penalties under sections 58 and 63 of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006. The act stipulates stringent penalties for non-compliance, aiming to enforce strict adherence to safety standards and protect public health.