SRINAGAR, SEPT 26: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K has sealed a packaged drinking water unit at Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) Lassipora, Pulwama, after finding that it was operating without a valid FSSAI licence for processing and packaging drinking water.
Acting on a specific complaint, a Food Safety team of FDA Pulwama inspected the premises of M/s Swat Industries, which was processing and packaging drinking water under the brand name “ICY Wave.”
During the inspection, officials found that the unit did not possess the mandatory FSSAI licence required for the activity.
The inspection further revealed that FSSAI licence number 1102547000051, displayed on the packaged water bottles, had been obtained for wholesale/retail trading of fruits and vegetables and did not authorise the firm to process or package drinking water.
As part of the enforcement action, FDA officials lifted two samples of packaged drinking water for laboratory analysis. In view of the violations, the premises were sealed and operations suspended.
A Show Cause Notice was also served upon the person-in-charge/representative of the firm, directing submission of an explanation within three days.
The FDA said Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 mandates licensing of Food Business Operators wherever applicable.
Packaged drinking water and mineral water fall 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, with a penalty that may extend to ₹10 lakh.
The department said further action has been initiated for filing a complaint/prosecution under the relevant provisions of the Act before the competent court.
FDA J&K reiterated that every Food Business Operator must obtain and maintain a valid FSSAI licence or registration corresponding to the nature of its food business, and warned that enforcement action would continue against violations to safeguard food safety and public health.
