FSSAI reclassifies packaged drinking water as high-risk food category
New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reclassified packaged drinking water and mineral water as a high-risk food category, enforcing stricter regulatory measures to ensure safety and quality.
This reclassification, effective immediately following an order dated 29 November, mandates annual facility inspections and third-party food safety audits for manufacturers. Central licence holders in this category must comply with enhanced quality standards aimed at mitigating health risks associated with packaged water production.
The move comes after recent amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, which had earlier removed the mandatory BIS certification requirement for certain food products.
According to FSSAI, the reclassification aims to strengthen consumer protection by maintaining rigorous quality control in the packaged water industry.
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Israel begins allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza for first time in over year
Deir Al-Balah (AP): Israel has begun allowing Palestinians to return to the heavily destroyed north of the Gaza Strip for the first time since the early weeks of the 15-month war with Hamas, in accordance with a fragile ceasefire.
Thousands of Palestinians headed north on Monday after waiting for days to cross. Associated Press reporters saw people crossing the so-called Netzarim corridor shortly after 7 am.
The opening was delayed over a dispute between Hamas and Israel, which said the group had changed the order of the hostages it released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
