SRINAGAR, OCT 27: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has suspended the operating licence of M/s ARWAH Packaged Drinking Water, located at Kakan Maran in Budgam district, following the detection of alleged food safety violations during an inspection, raising concerns over quality-control measures and hygienic manufacturing practices at the unit.
According to the department, an inspection conducted by a Food Safety Officer revealed multiple deficiencies relating to water quality testing and monitoring, food safety management systems and the maintenance of mandatory statutory records. The unit reportedly failed to produce the requisite documents for verification, while its bottle-capping and sealing mechanism was found to be defective, resulting in leakage.
The deficiencies were viewed as serious compliance concerns, particularly given the importance of maintaining prescribed quality and hygiene standards in the production and packaging of drinking water meant for public consumption.
The FDA stated that a show-cause notice had been issued to the Food Business Operator, seeking an explanation regarding the violations detected during the inspection. However, the operator reportedly failed to submit a response within the stipulated period.
Taking cognisance of the reported deficiencies and the absence of a response, the Designated Officer, Food Safety, Budgam, exercised powers under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to order the suspension of the unit’s licence, bearing No. 11026070000022, until further orders.
The unit has also been directed to cease all activities at the premises until further orders, effectively halting its operations pending further directions from the competent authority.
The department emphasised that packaged drinking water falls under the high-risk food category and requires stringent quality-control procedures, regular testing, appropriate documentation and strict adherence to prescribed food safety standards.
The action underscores the importance of effective regulatory oversight of packaged drinking water manufacturing units to ensure that products placed on the market meet applicable safety and quality requirements.
The FDA has also urged consumers to remain vigilant and report suspected unsafe or adulterated food products to the department through its official email address, cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in, to facilitate timely intervention by the concerned authorities.
The suspension serves as a reminder to food business operators across Jammu and Kashmir that compliance with statutory requirements, proper quality assurance and hygienic production practices are essential obligations for businesses engaged in supplying products intended for human consumption.
