FDA suspends licence of packaged drinking water unit in Budgam over food safety violations
KINS Desk
Srinagar, October 27 (KINS): The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has suspended the licence of a packaged drinking water unit in Kakan Maran, Budgam, following the detection of multiple food safety violations during an inspection.
The FDA in a statement says that the licence of M/s ARWAH Packaged Drinking Water (Licence No. 11026070000022) was suspended after an inspection conducted by a Food Safety Officer on October 5, 2026, in response to a complaint received against the unit.
According to the FDA, the inspection revealed deficiencies in water quality monitoring, food safety management and statutory documentation. The unit was found to lack an adequate system for testing and monitoring the quality of water being processed and packaged for consumption.
The requisite records and documentation were also not produced for verification during the inspection. Additionally, the bottle-capping and sealing mechanism was found to be defective, resulting in leakage and raising concerns over the integrity of the packaged drinking water.
The deficiencies, officials said, raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of quality-control measures and the maintenance of hygienic manufacturing practices at the unit.
Packaged drinking water falls under the high-risk food category identified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), requiring manufacturers to maintain stringent quality-control measures and comply with prescribed food safety standards.
Manufacturers are required to ensure regular testing and monitoring of water quality, maintain proper records and follow appropriate hygiene and safety protocols throughout the manufacturing and packaging process.
The FDA said a show-cause notice was issued to the Food Business Operator on October 7, 2026, seeking an explanation for the violations detected during the inspection. However, no response was received within the stipulated period.
Consequently, the Designated Officer, Food Safety, Budgam, ordered the suspension of the unit’s licence under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The suspension will remain in force until further orders. The unit has also been directed to cease all activities at its premises until further orders.
The action is aimed at ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and safeguarding public health by preventing the manufacture and packaging of drinking water under conditions that do not meet the prescribed standards. The statement added.
