SRINAGAR: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has suspended the licence of a packaged drinking water unit in Kakan Maran, Budgam, after an inspection found deficiencies in water quality monitoring, food safety management and statutory documentation.
The licence of M/s ARWAH Packaged Drinking Water (Licence No. 11026070000022) was suspended by the Designated Officer, Food Safety, Budgam, under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The unit has been directed to cease all activities at the premises until further orders.
According to the FDA, the deficiencies were detected during an inspection conducted on October 5 following a complaint against the unit.
The inspection by a Food Safety Officer found that the unit lacked an adequate system for testing and monitoring the quality of water being processed and packaged. Required records and documents were also not produced for verification, while the bottle-capping and sealing mechanism was found defective, resulting in leakage.
The department said the shortcomings raised concerns about quality-control measures, hygienic manufacturing practices and the integrity of the packaged drinking water.
A show-cause notice was issued to the food business operator on October 7, seeking an explanation for the violations. However, no response was received within the stipulated period, following which the licence was suspended, the FDA said.
The department noted that packaged drinking water falls under a high-risk food category identified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), requiring stringent quality controls, regular testing, proper documentation and hygienic manufacturing practices.
The FDA has urged consumers to report suspected unsafe or adulterated food products through email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.
