FSSAI tightens testing norms for packaged water, drops BIS mandate

The recent directive from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to implement a new, stricter testing regime for packaged drinking water and mineral water, while simultaneously dropping the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandate, marks a significant shift in India's food safety landscape. This move, effective January 1, aims to enhance consumer safety and streamline regulatory oversight.

**Background Context and What Happened:**

India is one of the largest consumers of packaged drinking water globally, driven by concerns over tap water quality, increased urbanization, and changing lifestyles. This burgeoning market necessitated robust regulation to ensure public health. Previously, packaged water manufacturers were primarily required to comply with BIS standards, specifically IS 14543 for packaged drinking water and IS 13428 for packaged natural mineral water. BIS, established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, is India's national standards body responsible for standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods. While BIS provided a quality assurance mark, FSSAI, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, is the overarching authority for food safety and standards. The new development sees FSSAI devising its own comprehensive scheme for testing, effectively taking over the primary regulatory role from BIS in this specific domain. This means manufacturers will now directly adhere to FSSAI's stringent testing protocols, which are expected to be more detailed and frequent, moving beyond a mere 'quality mark' to a proactive safety assurance system.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

Several key players are central to this regulatory change. Firstly, the **Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)** is the primary driver and enforcer of these new norms. Its mandate is to ensure food safety and quality across the nation. Secondly, the **Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)**, while no longer the primary standard-setter for packaged water, continues its broader role in industrial standardization. Thirdly, **Packaged Water Manufacturers** are directly impacted, requiring them to adapt their production processes, quality control measures, and testing infrastructure to meet the new FSSAI guidelines. This could involve significant investment and operational adjustments. Fourthly, **Consumers** are the ultimate beneficiaries, as improved testing norms promise safer and higher-quality drinking water. Lastly, **Consumer Groups** play a crucial role in advocating for rigorous enforcement, periodic inspections, and the closure of unauthorized units, ensuring the new regulations translate into tangible safety improvements on the ground. State Food Safety Departments will be crucial for ground-level implementation and enforcement.

**Significance for India and Historical Context:**

This regulatory tightening is crucial for India for several reasons. From a **public health** perspective, access to safe drinking water is fundamental, and this move directly addresses potential health hazards from contaminated packaged water. It reinforces the spirit of **Article 21 of the Indian Constitution**, which guarantees the 'Right to Life,' interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to a clean environment and safe drinking water. Furthermore, **Article 47 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)** mandates the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health. The FSSAI's action aligns perfectly with this constitutional directive. Historically, India's food safety regime was fragmented, governed by multiple acts like the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. The enactment of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, consolidated these laws under a single authority, FSSAI, to provide a more holistic and effective framework. This current move signifies FSSAI's maturing role, taking full ownership of standards even where other bodies like BIS previously had a presence.

**Future Implications and Related Policies:**

The future implications are multi-faceted. We can expect a significant improvement in the quality and safety of packaged drinking water, leading to enhanced consumer trust. However, the stricter norms may also lead to increased compliance costs for manufacturers, potentially impacting smaller players and leading to market consolidation. Robust enforcement mechanisms, including regular inspections and strict penalties for non-compliance, will be critical for the success of this initiative. The government's broader commitment to ensuring safe drinking water is also evident in initiatives like the **Jal Jeevan Mission**, which aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024. The **Consumer Protection Act, 2019**, provides consumers with avenues for redressal against unfair trade practices and defective products, complementing FSSAI's regulatory role. This FSSAI initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to food safety, setting a precedent for other food categories and reinforcing India's commitment to public health and robust governance in the food sector.