FSSAI Orders Full Inspection of Packaged Water Units in Maharashtra

In a major decision to enhance the food safety standards, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered a "100 per cent inspection" of all packaged drinking water units in Maharashtra. The order was issued during the review meeting on Friday, with the focus on providing increased public health protection through effective enforcement.

FSSAI CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao emphasized the importance of strict compliance with all packaged water units. Rao suggested that safety and hygiene standards compliance be checked twice a year. Rao also highlighted the importance of the dissemination of good hygiene practices among street food vendors as a measure to curb foodborne risk in public areas.

The move comes against the backdrop of growing concern regarding the safety of packaged drinking water and calls for closer regulation. Industry players are being called upon to be in complete compliance with the authorities in order that openness is maintained and enforcement is guaranteed during inspection.

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Maharashtra’s Food Safety Commissioner, Rajesh J Narvekar, was also present at the meeting. He announced that two prominent religious institutions, Swamy Samarth Trust and the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, have been awarded the FSSAI’s ‘Eat Right Place of Worship’ certification. The recognition acknowledges their commitment to maintaining food safety and hygiene in places where large numbers of devotees gather regularly.

The check drive and awareness campaigns fall under the overall 'Eat Right India' movement of FSSAI, whose goal is to make India's food ecosystem better by way of regulation, education, and participation from the masses. Officials hope the move will help boost consumer confidence and overall public health results in the state.