Srinagar, Sep 27: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), J&K, sealed a packaged drinking water unit at the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), Lassipora, Pulwama, for allegedly operating without the requisite licence and permissions.
The action was taken following a specific complaint, after a Food Safety team of the FDA, J&K, Pulwama, inspected the premises of M/s Swat Industries, which was engaged in processing and packaging drinking water under the brand name “ICY Wave”, according to a statement issued by the J&K FDA.
During the inspection, the team found that the unit was operating without a valid FSSAI licence for processing and packaging drinking water.
The inspection also found that the FSSAI licence number 1102547000051 displayed on the bottles had been obtained for the wholesale/retail business of fruits and vegetables and did not cover the processing or packaging of drinking water, the statement said.
As part of the enforcement action, the Food Safety team lifted two samples of the packaged drinking water for analytical examination.
In view of the alleged violations, the premises were sealed and operations suspended. A show-cause notice was also served on the person-in-charge/representative of the firm, requiring an explanation within three days.
The FDA said Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, mandates licensing of Food Business Operators, as applicable under the Act.
It further stated that packaged drinking water and mineral water have been classified under the High Risk Food Category, requiring enhanced regulatory oversight and compliance by manufacturers and processors.
Operating a food business requiring a licence without obtaining the requisite licence attracts penal action under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which provides for a penalty that may extend to Rs 10 lakh, the department said.
The FDA said action has also been initiated for filing a complaint/prosecution under the relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, before the competent court for operating the food business without the mandatory FSSAI licence.
The FDA, J&K, reiterated that all Food Business Operators are required to obtain and maintain a valid FSSAI licence or registration appropriate to the nature of their food business.
The department said it would continue enforcement measures against violations of food safety laws to ensure compliance and safeguard public health.
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