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Important things you must know about packaged drinking water

Here are some reasons why packaged drinking water may be necessary for human beings:

 

1. Accessibility:

Packaged drinking water is readily available in various settings, including homes, offices, recreational areas, and during travel. It provides a convenient option for individuals who may not have access to clean drinking water from other sources, such as tap water or water filtration systems.

2. Safety and quality assurance:

Packaged drinking water is regulated and undergoes specific quality control measures to ensure its safety for consumption.  This regulatory oversight aims to provide consumers with a reliable source of safe drinking water.

3. Emergency situations:

During emergencies, natural disasters, or situations where the regular water supply is compromised, packaged drinking water can be crucial. It can be stored for an extended period and used when access to clean water is limited. 

4. Convenience and portability:

Bottled water offers convenience and portability, making it easy to carry and consume on the go. It is a popular choice for outdoor activities, sports events, or situations where access to clean drinking water may be limited.

5. Health and hygiene:

Bottled water can provide reassurance to individuals who have concerns about the quality of tap water or alternative water sources in certain regions. It offers a hygienic and sealed option that minimizes the risk of contamination during transportation and storage.

6. Taste and preferences:

Some individuals may prefer the taste or attributes of specific brands or types of packaged drinking water. Water preferences can vary based on factors such as mineral content, filtration methods, or carbonation. Packaged water allows consumers to choose options that align with their taste preferences.

7. Travel and tourism:

Packaged drinking water is often recommended for travelers, particularly when visiting regions where the safety and quality of tap water may be uncertain. In some area, tap water may contain contaminants or pathogens that tourists are not accustomed to, and drinking bottled water can help prevent waterborne illnesses.

8. Convenience in areas with unreliable infrastructure:

In regions with limited or unreliable water infrastructure, such as remote or rural areas, packaged drinking water can provide a reliable and safe option. It eliminates the need for individuals to rely solely on potentially unsafe water sources or go through the effort of treating water themselves.

9. Specialized needs:

Certain individuals with specific health conditions or weakened immune systems may require a higher level of water purity. Packaged drinking water, particularly those labeled as purified, may be recommended for individuals with compromised immune systems, infants, or those undergoing medical treatments.

10. Emergency response and disaster relief:

During emergency response efforts and disaster relief operations, packaged drinking water is often an essential component. It is easier to distribute, store, and transport in bulk, ensuring that clean drinking water reaches affected populations in a timely manner.

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Ultimately, the necessity and appropriateness of packaged drinking water depend on various factors, including individual circumstances, local water quality, availability of alternatives, and consideration of environmental impact.

Journey of Bottled Water in India So far

In 1965, Italian doctor Cesari Rossi and Indian businessman Khushroo Suntook introduced Bisleri bottled water in India by setting up a factory in Thane. Initially, it was sold exclusively in luxury hotels and restaurants in Mumbai, packaged in glass bottles. The two varieties available were bubbly, indicating carbonated water, and still, representing non-carbonated water. Bisleri played a significant role in popularizing the concept of commercially bottled mineral water in India, paving the way for the growth and expansion of the industry.

The history of packaged drinking water in India after Bisleri’s introduction in the 1960 is marked by numerous key developments, such as the expansion of distribution, introduction of multiple brands, adoption of advanced filtration technologies, shift to plastic bottles, emergence of regulations and standards, growth and diversification of the industry, focus on sustainability, rural outreach and accessibility, consumer awareness, and health consciousness.

Back

India’s booming packaged water industry.

Today, millions of Indians rely on packaged drinking water for safe and clean drinking water.

India was the 12th largest consumer of bottled water by value and the 14th biggest by volume in 2021, shows a new United Nations report released ahead of World Water Day on 22 March. In the mineral water segment, the country reported the second fastest growth rate after South Korea in the three years from 2018 to 2021.

India’s bottled mineral water market grew 27% per year during the period, while South Korea’s grew at a compounded annual growth rate of 28%. Mineral water is one of the most prevalent types of bottled water which is sourced from underground reservoirs.

Treated water is the most popular bottled water market by volume, making up 47% of the total. This is water that is treated and disinfected before being consumed. This category is dominated by developing countries, including India. Mineral water comes next, with a 33% share. The remaining covers bottled water from other natural sources (20%).

As of my last update in September 2021, the bottled water market in India was experiencing significant growth and was one of the fastest-growing markets globally. The market size for bottled water in India was estimated to be around 23 to 25 billion liters annually, with a value of approximately 160 to 200 billion Indian Rupees.

Guidelines of the Bureau of Indian Standards of India (BIS) for Packaged Drinking Water.

BIS Rule

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standard-setting body in India. It has established guidelines and regulations for various products, including packaged drinking water. The ISI mark, issued by BIS, is a certification mark that indicates compliance with the relevant Indian standards. Here are the statutory guidelines provided by BIS for packaged drinking water in India:

IS 14543: Packaged Drinking Water (Other Than Natural Mineral Water) 

This standard specifies the requirements and quality parameters for packaged drinking water. It covers aspects such as source water, treatment processes, labeling, packaging, and microbiological and chemical requirements.

Source Water Requirements

The BIS guidelines mandate that packaged drinking water should be sourced from potable water sources. It should comply with the specified microbiological and chemical requirements to ensure safety and quality.

Treatment Processes

The guidelines outline the treatment processes and technologies that must be employed to purify the water, such as filtration, disinfection, and removal of impurities and contaminants. Techniques like reverse osmosis (RO), UV treatment, and ozonation are commonly used.

Packaging and Labelling

The packaging of packaged drinking water must be in food-grade materials that do not contaminate the water. The labeling should include essential information such as brand name, address of the manufacturer, batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date, net quantity, and the ISI mark.

Microbiological Requirements

The BIS guidelines set limits for microbiological parameters to ensure that packaged drinking water is free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. These include limits for total coliforms, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and other indicators of water quality.

Chemical Requirements

The guidelines specify permissible limits for various chemical parameters in packaged drinking water, including pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), arsenic, lead, cadmium, fluoride, nitrate, and other substances. These limits are set to ensure the safety and suitability of the water for consumption.

IS 13428: Packaged Natural Mineral Water

This standard applies specifically to natural mineral water and provides guidelines for its sourcing, treatment, packaging, labeling, and quality parameters. It ensures that natural mineral water meets the specific requirements for mineral content and composition.

For manufacturers

For manufacturers of packaged drinking water in India, adherence to the statutory guidelines set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is crucial. These guidelines, including standards such as IS 14543 and IS 13428, define the requirements for sourcing water, treatment processes, packaging, labeling, and quality parameters. Manufacturers must ensure that their production processes and facilities align with these guidelines to produce safe and high-quality packaged drinking water. Obtaining the ISI mark from BIS signifies compliance with these standards and instills confidence in consumers regarding the product’s quality and adherence to regulatory requirements. Manufacturers must actively stay updated with any revisions or new guidelines issued by BIS to maintain compliance and uphold the integrity of the packaged drinking water industry.

Guidelines of Food Safety Standards Authority of India (Fssai) for Packaged Drinking Water Water

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body responsible for formulating and enforcing food safety standards in India. When it comes to bottled water, FSSAI has established specific guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety and quality of packaged drinking water. Here are some of the statutory guidelines provided by FSSAI for bottled water:

Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011

These regulations outline the general standards and requirements for various food products, including packaged drinking water. They cover aspects such as composition, quality parameters, labeling, and packaging.

Packaged Drinking Water Regulations, 2018

FSSAI has formulated specific regulations dedicated to packaged drinking water. These regulations provide detailed guidelines on various aspects, including source water, treatment processes, labeling, packaging, and quality parameters.

Source Water and Treatment

The guidelines specify that packaged drinking water should be sourced from potable water sources, ensuring it is free from contaminants and impurities. The treatment processes must be in line with FSSAI regulations, employing methods such as filtration, disinfection, and removal of specific substances.

Microbiological and Chemical Requirements

FSSAI sets limits for various microbiological and chemical parameters in bottled water. These limits ensure that the water is safe for consumption and meets the prescribed quality standards. Parameters include total coliforms, Escherichia coli (E. coli), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), arsenic, lead, cadmium, fluoride, and other relevant substances.

Packaging and Labeling

FSSAI mandates that the packaging of bottled water should comply with food-grade material standards to ensure the safety and quality of the water. The labeling requirements include information such as brand name, manufacturing and expiry dates, net quantity, FSSAI license number, and other mandatory labeling requirements.

Hygiene and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

FSSAI emphasizes the importance of maintaining hygiene and implementing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) throughout the production, processing, and packaging of bottled water. These practices ensure the safety and quality of the final product.

Bottled Water Safety Assurance

FSSAI emphasizes the importance of implementing a robust safety assurance system for bottled water. This includes regular monitoring, testing, and documentation of water quality throughout the production process to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)

FSSAI encourages the implementation of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system for bottled water manufacturing. This systematic approach helps identify and control potential hazards at critical stages of production to ensure the safety and quality of the final product.

Recall and Traceability

FSSAI mandates that bottled water manufacturers maintain a recall and traceability system. This enables efficient tracking and tracing of products in the event of any safety concerns or quality issues, ensuring timely and effective action to protect consumer health.

So it is important for bottled water manufacturers to comply with the FSSAI guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety, quality, and legality of their products. Regular inspections and audits by FSSAI authorities help enforce these guidelines and maintain the integrity of the bottled water industry in India.

Thank you for visiting our blog post. At Mithas, we believe that informed consumers make better choices, and we are committed to providing you with the essential information you need. Embrace the refreshing experience of our premium packaged drinking water, knowing that quality and your well-being are at the core of everything we do. Stay tuned for more updates, as we continue our journey towards excellence and customer satisfaction. Remember, at Mithas, your health and happiness are our top priorities. Cheers to a healthier, happier you with Mithas!"
Mr. P.K. Singh (Operation Head)