FSSAI Issues New Testing and Safety Rules for Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued fresh directions to ensure the safety and quality of Packaged Drinking Water (PDW) and Mineral Water (MW) sold in India. These directions come after FSSAI removed the requirement for mandatory BIS certification for these products.

The new Scheme of Testing will come into force from 1 January 2026, and all food business operators (FBOs) involved in manufacturing packaged drinking water and mineral water must strictly follow the updated rules.

BIS Certification No Longer Mandatory

In October 2024, FSSAI officially removed the provision that required packaged drinking water and mineral water to carry a mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification mark. With this change, BIS approval is no longer compulsory. However, FSSAI has clarified that removing BIS certification does not reduce responsibility. Instead, manufacturers must now follow a detailed testing and compliance system to maintain safety and quality standards.

1. Mandatory Testing Records to Be Maintained

Manufacturers are required to keep proper test records for all quality and safety checks carried out during production. These records must show that the water meets all applicable food safety standards. In case minerals are added to the water, batch-wise records of mineral usage, along with invoices and test certificates, must be preserved for verification.

2. Packaging Must Follow FSSAI Rules

All packaged drinking water and mineral water must be packed strictly according to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. This applies to plastic bottles and jars, pouches and polyethylene films, glass bottles, paper based multilayer cartons and aluminium cans. Each type of packaging must meet the prescribed safety standards and be suitable for food use.

3. Strict Control Over Microbiological Safety

If any microbiological test shows non compliance, the entire stock must be retested and withheld from sale until it meets safety standards. Manufacturers must investigate the cause of contamination, take immediate corrective actions, resume production only after getting satisfactory test results for five consecutive batches. Records of such incidents must be maintained for at least five years for FSSAI review.

4. Source Water Testing Is Mandatory

Before using any source water for production, it must be tested for all required parameters as per FSS Regulation 2.10.8 from an FSSAI notified NABL accredited laboratory. If processed water fails quality tests the source water must be rechecked and additional controls must be introduced to ensure compliance. Any change in water source or addition of a new source requires fresh testing and approval before use.

5. Zero Tolerance for Radioactive Contamination

If radioactive residues are detected in the water the water source must be immediately abandoned, all affected products must be recalled from the market andFSSAI must be informed without delay. This measure aims to protect public health and prevent serious safety risks.

6. Disinfection Process Must Be Declared

Manufacturers must clearly declare the method used for disinfection of water. The process must comply with FSSAI standards and ensure that the final product is safe for consumption.

7. Guidelines for Reused Containers

Only durable and easy to clean containers of 5 litres or more and glass bottles may be reused. Containers that are damaged, deformed, or heavily soiled must not be used again. Water used for cleaning and disinfection must be potable, and good manufacturing practices must be followed at all times.

8. Hygiene Must Be Maintained Throughout Production

Hygienic conditions must be maintained at every stage from sourcing water to processing, storage, packing, and distribution. Manufacturers must follow Schedule IV of the Food Safety and Standards regulations related to hygiene and good manufacturing practices. Daily hygiene and sanitation schedules must be clearly displayed at the factory, and compliance records must be maintained for inspection.

9. Proper Disposal of Rejected Products

Any water that does not meet safety standards must be disposed of safely and separately from approved stock. Detailed records of rejected products, test failures, and disposal methods must be maintained. Rejected items must never be stored with compliant products to avoid contamination or misuse.

10. Effective Date of Compliance

All provisions under the new Scheme of Testing for Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water will be mandatory from 1 January 2026. FSSAI has advised all manufacturers to prepare in advance to avoid non compliance and enforcement action.

Official Notification

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