FSSAI License for Packaged Drinking Water

Posted by Corpbiz Legal on March 25th, 2021

FSSAI Registration is applicable to all sorts of packaged drinking water. In recent times the FSSAI has become more proactive for apposite compliance by the Food Business Operators in Packaged Water business. In this article, we will tell you all related to FSSAI License for packaged water for drinking.

Definition of Packaged Drinking Water

The rules and regulations for packaged drinking water came into force on 1^st of March 2017. It provided definition of packaged water for drinking. Packaged water is water, other than natural water, that is used for human consumption and that is sold or offered in packaged form, by whatever name it may be it is known, sold or offered.

From January 2021 packaged drinking water companies in India will need to make sure that their products contain minerals like calcium and magnesium in line with the prescribed limits set by FSSAI.

Earlier in 2020, FSSAI extended the deadline for implementation of new standards for packaged drinking water to 1^st of July which was further extended to 1^st of January, 2021 due to the pandemic.

Which category of FSSAI License/Registration is appropriate for packaged water?

1. FSSAI Basic License – Only for the retailer, if the estimated annual turnover is less than INR 12 Lakhs.
2. FSSAI State license – If the estimated annual turnover is more than INR 12 lakhs and not more than INR 20 Crores.
3. FSSAI Central License – If the annual turnover is more than INR 20 Crores or the Water factory is established in more than 2 states.

Packaged water has also been covered under the regulations stated by FSSAI. The FSSAI, by a notification dated 15^th of November 2016 has made a modification to standards in the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011 regarding packaged water for drinking under the regulation on ‘Beverages’.

Online procedure to obtain FSSAI License/registration for Packaged Drinking Water

The below-mentioned procedure must be followed to obtain a license:

• The first step is to visit the FSSAI website;
• Fill the signup column with all the necessary details;
• Make sure the phone number and e-mail address provided are functional;
• After filling the form, click on register to finish the signup procedure;
• A user ID will be created on completing the successful signup;
• Use the ID to apply for FSSAI License by filling the application form;
• Submit the necessary documents along with the prescribed fees;
• The status of the application can be tracked by using the reference number. It will be granted after submitting the application.

It is highly advised to take the assistance of an experienced professional to fill and submit these Forms. This way the submission of the application will be easy.

FSSAI Standards for Manufacturing of packaged water business

All the manufacturers of packaged Drinking water are required to follow the Microbiological standards for packaged drinking water: as per the standards a 250ml of packaged water for drinking should not contain the following microorganisms:

• Escherichia coli
• Coliform bacteria
• Staphylococcus aureus, and Faecal Streptococci
• Sulphate Reducing Anaerobes
• Salmonella Typhi
• Yeast and mold
• Pseudomonas aeruginosin
• Salmonella and Shigella
• V. para hemolyticus, and Vibrio cholera

In addition to the Microbiological standards, the manufacturer of packaged water shall also abide by the following parameters set by FSSAI. These are described below –

• Physical parameters and Organoleptic;
• General parameters regarding the substances undesirable in unwarranted amounts;
• Parameters regarding the toxic substance;
• Parameters concerning radioactive residues;
• Parameters regarding pesticide residues.

The FSSAI (registration and licensing of food business operators) Regulations of 2011 states that it is obligatory to provide a water analyst’s report regarding the water to be used while applying for a Central / State license.

FSSAI Labelling & Packaging necessities for Packaged Drinking Water

As per the provisions of Section 2 of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and packaging) regulations of 2011, the water must be packed in clean, colourless, hygienic, transparent and non-tampered containers/ bottles made out of the below-mentioned materials:

All packaging resources of plastic origin are needed to pass the prescribed on the whole migration and colour migration limits. Also, each package of drinking water is requisite to carry the following declarations in capital letters as stated in Regulation 2.3.3 of FSSAI (Labelling &Packaging) Regulations of 2011:

• “NATURAL MINERAL WATER”
• “PACKAGED DRINKING WATER”
•  “CRUSH THE BOTTLE AFTER USE”
• “BEST BEFORE” (from the date of Manufacture)

Conclusion

From January, 2021 packaged drinking water companies in India will need to make sure that their products contain minerals like calcium and magnesium in line with the prescribed limits set by FSSAI. FSSAI Registration or FSSAI License is applicable to all sorts of packaged drinking water.