Scheme of Testing for Packaged Drinking Water (PDW) & Mineral Water (MW) under FSSAI - Ensuring Safe Drinking Water in India

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) has introduced a strengthened regulatory framework through the Scheme of Testing for Packaged Drinking Water (PDW) and Mineral Water (MW). This initiative aims to ensure safety, quality, and compliance of drinking water products available in the Indian market under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations.

Background and Regulatory Context

Following the omission of mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for packaged drinking water and mineral water, FSSAI introduced a comprehensive Scheme of Testing to maintain strict quality control and consumer safety. The scheme becomes mandatory for all Food Business Operators (FBOs) from 1 January 2026. (fssai.gov.in)

The scheme ensures that despite the removal of BIS certification, product safety is not compromised and all water products are subjected to scientific and systematic testing under FSSAI supervision.

Objective of the Scheme

The primary objectives of the Scheme of Testing include:

• Ensuring safe and potable drinking water for consumers
• Establishing uniform testing protocols and standards
• Strengthening compliance monitoring of water manufacturing units
• Promoting accountability among Food Business Operators
• Preventing contamination and adulteration in packaged water products

Key Features of the Scheme

1. Mandatory Testing Requirements

The scheme defines detailed microbiological, chemical, and physical parameters that packaged drinking water and mineral water must meet before being released into the market. Testing is to be conducted through FSSAI-notified, NABL-accredited laboratories.

2. Levels of Control and Frequency

The scheme specifies levels of control and testing frequency, particularly for microbiological safety indicators such as:

• Escherichia coli
• Coliform bacteria
• Salmonella and Shigella
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Yeast and mould
• Other harmful pathogens

These tests are required to be conducted at defined intervals (such as monthly for key parameters) to ensure continuous safety monitoring. (fssai.gov.in)

3. Batch-Wise Compliance System

Manufacturers must ensure that only tested and compliant batches are released into the market. Any non-compliance must be addressed through corrective action before distribution.

4. Record Maintenance and Traceability

Food Business Operators are required to maintain detailed records of:

• Laboratory test reports
• Sampling details
• Compliance history
• Corrective actions taken

This ensures transparency and traceability across the supply chain.

5. Enforcement by FSSAI Authorities

The scheme empowers regulatory authorities to:

• Inspect manufacturing units
• Verify testing records
• Ensure compliance with safety standards
• Take enforcement action in case of violations

Role of Laboratories

Testing under the scheme must be carried out only in FSSAI-notified laboratories, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and standardization of results. These labs play a crucial role in safeguarding public health by detecting contamination at early stages.

Compliance Deadline and Implementation

• Effective Date: 1 January 2026
• Applicability: All PDW and MW manufacturers/FBOs
• Requirement: Full compliance with testing scheme before product release

Non-compliance may lead to regulatory action under food safety laws.

Significance of the Scheme

The Scheme of Testing marks a major step toward strengthening India's food safety ecosystem. Its key benefits include:

• Improved consumer confidence in bottled water products
• Reduction in risks of waterborne diseases
• Greater accountability among manufacturers
• Enhanced scientific regulation of drinking water quality
• Alignment with modern food safety practices

Conclusion

The Scheme of Testing for Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water introduced by FSSAI represents a significant regulatory advancement in ensuring safe drinking water for millions of consumers in India. By replacing reliance on external certification with a robust, science-based testing framework, the initiative strengthens quality assurance and reinforces public health protection.

As implementation begins from 2026, strict adherence by industry stakeholders will be critical in achieving the scheme's goal of safe, reliable, and high-quality drinking water across the country.

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Source:https://fssai.gov.in/upload/advisories/2025/12/6944f19f64122Scheme%20of%20Testing%20PDW%20MW.pdf