The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has classified packaged drinking water as part of the ‘Highest Risk Food Category.’ This designation highlights concerns over the safety and quality of packaged water products, particularly in light of potential contamination and inadequate quality control.
Packaged drinking water is often considered to be the safest option for hydration, particularly in urban areas where access to clean, potable water can be inconsistent or unreliable. Many consumers trust bottled water as a clean and safe alternative to tap water, assuming it meets high-quality standards due to its sealed packaging. However, recent concerns raised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) highlight that packaged drinking water can sometimes pose health risks if not properly regulated or handled.
These risks can include contamination during bottling, improper storage, or the use of substandard packaging materials that may leach harmful chemicals. Despite the general perception of safety, packaged water can still harbor bacteria, harmful microorganisms, or toxins if not subjected to proper quality control. As a result, the FSSAI’s categorization of packaged drinking water as a “Highest Risk Food Category” underscores the importance of stringent safety standards, monitoring, and testing to ensure that the water remains safe for consumption.
In summary, while packaged drinking water is widely perceived as safe, it is crucial to recognize that, like any food or drink product, it is not immune to risks that may affect its quality and safety. This has prompted a reevaluation of the industry’s practices to better safeguard public health.