Associated News Bureau

FDA J&K Seals Unlicensed Packaged Drinking Water Unit at IGC Lassipora

Pulwama, September 27: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), J&K, has sealed a packaged drinking water processing and packaging unit at the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) Lassipora in Pulwama district for allegedly operating without the mandatory FSSAI licence. The enforcement action was taken following a specific complaint, after a Food Safety team from FDA, J&K, 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, the team found that the unit did not possess a valid FSSAI licence authorising it to process and package drinking water. Officials further found that the FSSAI licence number 1102547000051, displayed on the packaged water bottles, had been issued for wholesale/retail business involving fruits and vegetables and did not cover the processing or packaging of drinking water. As part of the enforcement proceedings, the Food Safety team lifted two samples of the packaged drinking water for analytical examination. The premises were subsequently sealed and operations suspended. A Show Cause Notice was also served upon the person-in-charge/representative of the firm, directing them to submit an explanation within three days. Under Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Food Business Operators are required to obtain the applicable licence for their operations. Packaged drinking water and mineral water have also been classified under the High Risk Food Category, requiring enhanced regulatory oversight and compliance. 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 ₹10 lakh. The department said action has been initiated for filing a complaint/prosecution under the relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act before the competent court for allegedly operating the food business without the mandatory FSSAI licence. The FDA, J&K, reiterated that all Food Business Operators must obtain and maintain a valid FSSAI licence or registration appropriate to the nature of their food business. The department also stated that strict enforcement measures would continue against violations of food safety laws to ensure regulatory compliance and safeguard public health.