The Food Safety Department has issued an advisory urging consumers to be vigilant about the quality of packaged drinking water they purchase. Manufacturers have also been warned to strictly adhere to the packaging guidelines set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This comes in response to the rising demand for bottled water during the summer season.
Officials have noted that 69 bottled water manufacturing units are currently operating in Coimbatore. However, concerns have been raised over the sale of water in substandard cans. A senior department officer highlighted that the FSSAI has now classified packaged drinking water and mineral water under the ‘high-risk food category’ and introduced stringent regulations to ensure safety and hygiene.
Experts have cautioned that improper transportation of water cans, especially in high temperatures, can lead to chemical leaching from plastic containers, posing serious health hazards. In response, the Food Safety Department has initiated inspections of shops selling packaged water, soft drinks, and fruit juices.
K Tamilselvan, the Designated Food Safety Officer for Coimbatore district, emphasized the importance of proper labeling and transport. “Water cans must display stickers containing crucial details such as the manufacturer’s name, filling date, expiry date, and FSSAI registration number. Additionally, they must be properly sealed and transported only in fully enclosed vehicles to prevent contamination,” he stated.
Consumers have been encouraged to report any food-related complaints through the designated WhatsApp number 94440-42322 to help authorities take swift action against violators.
