SRINAGAR: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), J&K, has sealed a packaged drinking water unit at the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) Lassipora in Pulwama district for allegedly operating without a valid FSSAI licence.
The action was taken by a Food Safety team from FDA, J&K, Pulwama, following a specific complaint against M/s Swat Industries, which was processing and packaging drinking water under the brand name “ICY Wave”.
During the inspection, the team found that the unit did not possess a valid FSSAI licence for processing and packaging drinking water.
The department said the FSSAI licence number displayed on the bottles—1102547000051—had been issued for wholesale and retail business of fruits and vegetables and did not cover the processing or packaging of drinking water.
As part of the enforcement action, the Food Safety team lifted two samples of the packaged drinking water for analytical examination.
The premises were subsequently sealed and operations suspended, while a show-cause notice was served on the person-in-charge or representative of the firm, seeking an explanation within three days.
The FDA said Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, mandates licensing of food business operators, wherever applicable. It added that packaged drinking water and mineral water fall under the high-risk food category and are subject to enhanced regulatory oversight.
Operating a food business requiring a licence without obtaining the requisite licence attracts penal action under Section 63 of the Act, with the penalty extending up to Rs 10 lakh, the department said.
The FDA has also initiated action for filing a complaint/prosecution before the competent court under the relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act for allegedly operating the food business without the mandatory FSSAI licence.
The department reiterated that all food business operators must obtain and maintain a valid FSSAI licence or registration appropriate to the nature of their business.
It said enforcement measures would continue against violations of food safety laws to ensure compliance and safeguard public health.
