PULWAMA: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has sealed a packaged drinking water unit at the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) Lassipora in Pulwama for allegedly operating without a valid licence required for processing and packaging drinking water.
According to officials, a Food Safety team conducted an inspection of M/s Swat Industries following a complaint and found that the unit was manufacturing and packaging drinking water under the brand name “ICY Wave”.
During the inspection, the team allegedly found that the unit did not possess a valid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence for processing and packaging drinking water. Officials said the FSSAI licence number displayed on the bottles had been issued for wholesale and retail trade of fruits and vegetables and did not authorise drinking water processing activities.
The Food Safety team collected two samples of packaged drinking water for laboratory analysis. The premises were subsequently sealed and operations suspended, officials said.
A show-cause notice has also been issued to the firm’s representative, seeking a response within three days.
The FDA said packaged drinking water and mineral water fall under the high-risk food category and require specific regulatory approvals. Under Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, food business operators are required to obtain the appropriate licence before commencing operations.
Officials said action has been initiated to file a complaint before the competent court under relevant provisions of the Act for allegedly operating a food business without the mandatory licence. Under Section 63 of the Act, operating a food business requiring a licence without obtaining one can attract penalties, including a fine that may extend to ₹10 lakh.
The department said enforcement drives against violations of food safety regulations would continue to ensure compliance and protect public health.