Dimapur, August 11 (MExN): The Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) has expressed concern over the “rampant selling of 20-litre packaged drinking water without any company label” in the market, warning that the practice violates Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations and poses potential risks to public health.
According to the DMC, the regulations mandate that packaged drinking water must carry specific and verifiable information on its label. As per the guidelines, every packaged drinking water container must clearly display the product name, either “PACKAGED DRINKING WATER” or “NATURAL MINERAL WATER,” along with the FSSAI logo and license number, the BIS certification mark (ISI mark), the name and address of the manufacturer, the batch or lot number, the date of manufacturing and best before date, the net quantity, the nutritional information, and the list of ingredients if any additives or minerals are added.
“The absence of this mandatory information not only violates the law but also poses a potential risk to public health, as it prevents traceability and quality verification,” the DMC said.
The Council further cautioned that “not only water but any consumable products or goods which do not have the FSSAI logo and License number must immediately cease being sold in the market.” It informed that regular checks will be conducted within its jurisdiction, and if violations are found, “strict action will be taken as per the law.”
Street vendors, food stalls, bakeries and restaurants have also been directed to maintain proper hygiene standards while handling and serving food, which includes “the cleanliness of utensils, proper storage of food items, and adherence to health and safety protocols to ensure public safety and well-being.”
The DMC has ordered all distributors, suppliers and retailers to “immediately cease the sale and distribution of 20-litre water tanks, or any consumable goods, without proper labeling within its jurisdiction.” It warned that failure to comply will invite action as per the Food Safety and Standards Act and relevant guidelines.
Appealing to citizens, the Council urged the public “to purchase only properly labeled packaged drinking water and consumable products to ensure safety and quality, and to report any violations to the DMC office for prompt action.”
