Nagaland DH&FW reiterates directive to packaged drinking water suppliers

July 26, 2024 9 Views No Comment

Says BIS License mandatory irrespective of annual turnover

Kohima, July 26 (MExN): The Department of Health & Family Welfare (DH&FW) has reiterated that many Packaged Drinking Water (PDW) manufacturers/suppliers are functioning without a BIS licence, which is a prerequisite to apply for a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Licence/Registration.

Accordingly, it has informed all PDW manufacturers/suppliers that a BIS licence is mandatory irrespective of annual turnover.
Additionally, it stated that any import of PDW/mineral water from outside the State without BIS certification is prohibited for sale within Nagaland.

According to the DIPR, the department noted in a statement that access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right crucial for maintaining good health.

Therefore, it is the responsibility of PDW manufacturers/suppliers to provide clean, hygienic, and safe water to their customers, the statement said.

DH&FW also highlighted Regulation 2.3.14 (17) and (18) of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011, which stipulates: “No person shall manufacture, sell or exhibit for sale, Packaged Drinking Water (PDW) and Mineral Water (MW) except under the Bureau of Indian Standards Certification Mark (BIS).”

Failure to comply with the above guidelines will incur penalties under Sections 58 and 63 of the Food Safety & Standards (FSS) Act 2006, it added.

Section 68 deals with conducting business without a licence, providing for penalties of “imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months and also with a fine which may extend to five lakh rupees.”

Section 58 pertains to contravention of any provisions of the Act or related rules or regulations for which no specific penalty is provided, with fines of up to two lakh rupees.

In early July, taking serious note of several manufacturers of packaged drinking water/mineral water operating without the BIS certification mark, the Commissioner of Food Safety, DH&FW had directed all food business operators (FBOs) to obtain BIS licence/registration.

As per Section 31 of the FSS Act 2006, all FBOs must obtain a licence/registration before commencing any food business, it added.