FSDA Suspends Licences of 152 Units Over Safety Lapses in Packaged Water

In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration has suspended the licences of 152 bottled‑water manufacturers after a comprehensive quality survey. The survey, conducted over the last twelve months, examined 811 packaged‑drink and mineral‑water plants and tested 660 water samples in accredited laboratories. Results showed that 176 samples were unsafe, harbouring pathogens such as E‑coli, coliform bacteria, yeast and mould, while 337 samples were deemed sub‑standard due to insufficient mineral levels, especially calcium and magnesium. Overall, 513 samples (78% of those tested) failed to comply with the statutory standards. Inspectors also documented serious process deficiencies: absence of filtration units, lack of ultraviolet (UV) or ozonation treatment, missing source‑water verification reports, and manual bottle handling on the shop floor. The findings prompted FSDA Commissioner Dr. Roshan Jacob to order an immediate production stoppage for the non‑compliant units and to keep their licences on hold until remedial measures are verified. Additionally, the department advised the suspension of licences for 55 centrally‑licensed facilities that operate in the state. The new regulatory framework now obliges all new and existing plants to obtain BIS certification, reinforcing the link between certification, licence issuance, and consumer safety.