Crackdown on illegal packaged drinking water units in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — The District Administration, Food Safety Authority, and Police in Dimapur carried out a joint inspection on August 8, targeting packaged drinking water bottling and reverse osmosis (RO) treatment units operating without valid licenses.

During the inspection, the officials found several establishments violating prescribed water quality and safety standards. Summon orders were issued to 13 defaulting units, with penalties imposed in line with legal provisions. Four operators — M/S Kugaho, M/S AA Water, M/S Elixir, and M/S Drizzle — have decided to shut down operations entirely, a DIPR report stated.

Currently, 34 water bottling plants under the jurisdiction of the Food Safety Authority, Dimapur (21 in Dimapur, 11 in Chümoukedima and one each in Medziphema and Niuland) have valid licenses from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The deputy commissioner had earlier directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs) dealing in packaged drinking water to secure FSSAI licenses and conduct water sample testing through certified laboratories. Non-compliant businesses were warned to suspend operations and recall improperly labelled items.

Also read: Department of Health & Family Welfare informs on packaged drinking water

Dimapur Municipal Council cracks down on unlabelled packaged water sales

As per government notification, the mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification mark has been dispensed with, making it compulsory for all operators to hold a valid Food Safety License Certificate.

Retailers and distributors have also been warned against stocking or selling water products without proper labelling, including the 14-digit FSSAI license number, brand name, packaging and expiry dates. Violations will attract penal action under Section 52 of the FSSA, 2006.

Consumers have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing untested and unlabeled water products, as such items not only contravene the law but also pose serious public health risks, including waterborne diseases.