WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING FSSAI LICENSE FOR PACKAGED DRINKING WATER
What is Packaged Drinking Water?
The standards for bottled drinking water went into effect on March 1, 2017. It defined the term "packaged drinking water." Packaged water is any water, other than natural mineral water, that is likely to be used by humans and is supplied or sold in a packaged form, under whatever name it is known.
Packaged Drinking Water Requires an FSSAI License
We all know that water has always been and will continue to be the most vital component of humanity. Water has always been an important aspect of nature, from evolution to survival. It covers around 70 percent of the Earth's surface and 55 percent to 78 percent of a human body. Even though it contains no calories or organic substances, safe drinking is necessary for humans and other living organisms. The human body requires between 4 and 7 litres of water every day to avoid dehydration and to function correctly. As a result, the FSSAI has made it mandatory to obtain a licence before selling packaged drinking water. The Government of India and the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs are in charge of the FSSAI License. It should be mentioned that there are three categories of FSSAI licences, each of which is determined by the packaged drinking water plant's yearly turnover. The many sorts of licences were discussed in the next segment.
The following FSSAI licencing and requirements must be followed by the makers to ensure that the product is safe to drink and does not cause any harm. As per the FSSAI guidelines:
• Decantation, filtration, a mixture of filtration, aeration, filtering using membrane filter depth filter, cartridge filter, activated carbon filtration, demineralization, remineralization, reverse osmosis, and other treatments are necessary for packaged water.
• The packagers must ensure that the packed water has been thoroughly disinfected with chemical or physical agents, ensuring that the number of microorganisms is below the scientifically approved standard for food safety or appropriateness.
• Seawater must first be desalinized before being subjected to the above processes.
Packaging and Labeling
Requirements for Packaged Drinking Water by the FSSAI
Water should be packed in clean, hygienic, colourless, transparent, and non-tampered bottles/containers constructed of the following materials, according to Section 2 of the Food Safety and Standards (packaging and labelling) laws, 2011.
The prescribed overall migration and colour migration limits must be met by all plastic packaging materials. The following disclosures must be written in capital letters on every carton of drinking water:
• “PACKAGED DRINKING WATER”
• “NATURAL MINERAL WATER”
• “BEST BEFORE” (from the date of Manufacture)
• “CRUSH THE BOTTLE AFTER USE”
The date of manufacture, the M.R.P., the manufacturer's FSSAI License number, the marketing agency (if it is promoted by another party), and the expiry date should all be listed on the bottle/container.
How to obtain FSSAI licence?
The procedure for obtaining an FSSAI licence for packaged drinking water can be completed online by the following steps:
• After you've completed the form, click Register to complete the registration process.
• On successful registration, a user ID will be generated.
• Fill out the application form to apply for an FSSAI licence or registration.
• Send in the required documentation, along with the appropriate fees;
• Your application's status can be tracked using the reference number. It will be sent to you once you have submitted your application.