Recently, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued directions under Section 16(5) of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It is regarding the operationalization of Draft Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations regarding the standards of Packaged Drinking Water (other than Mineral Water).

Notably, FSSAI has drawn reference to the direction issued vide File No. SS-M015/1/2022-Standard FSSAI dated 30.05.2022, operationalizing Draft Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations. w.rt. the values of Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium and Magnesium, and subsequent direction dated 21.06.2022 regarding partial modification in the above directions.

The apex body of Food Safety has received representations from the stakeholders seeking transition time for implementation of the directions, after due consideration of the requests.

Further, the Authority has decided to extend the date of implementation for the above directions by 01.07.2023 or until final notification of ibid draft regulations whichever is earlier. The decision has been taken with the approval of all the Competent Authority in exercise of the power vested under the Section 16(5) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.