Srinagar, Oct 27: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has suspended the licence of a packaged drinking water unit in Budgam district after an inspection found multiple food safety violations, including a defective bottle-sealing mechanism, inadequate water quality monitoring and the absence of mandatory records.
The action was taken against M/s ARWAH Packaged Drinking Water, located at Kakan Maran, following a complaint against the unit and an inspection conducted on October 5, 2026.
According to an official communication issued by the Office of the Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, the inspection revealed deficiencies in water quality testing, food safety management and statutory documentation.
The Food Safety Officer found that the unit lacked an adequate system to test and monitor the quality of water processed and packaged for human consumption. The required records and documents were also not made available for verification.
The inspection further found that the bottle-capping and sealing mechanism was defective, resulting in leakage and raising concerns over the effectiveness of quality-control measures, hygienic manufacturing practices and the integrity of the packaged product.
Licence Suspended Until Further Orders
The FDA said a show-cause notice was issued to the Food Business Operator on October 7, seeking an explanation for the violations detected during the inspection. However, the unit failed to submit a response within the stipulated period.
Following this, the Designated Officer, Food Safety, Budgam, ordered the suspension of the unit’s licence until further orders under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The unit has also been directed to cease all activities at its premises until further orders.
FDA Stresses Compliance with Food Safety Standards
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-control measures and regulatory oversight.
Manufacturers are required to ensure that water intended for human consumption meets applicable food safety standards, with adequate testing, regular monitoring, proper documentation and hygienic controls maintained throughout the manufacturing process.
The FDA has urged consumers to report suspected unsafe or adulterated food products to the department.
Complaints can be submitted via email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.
The official communication, dated October 27, was issued by the Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, Jammu and Kashmir, with a copy forwarded to the Joint Director Information, Jammu/Kashmir, for wider publicity through print and electronic media.
