In a rather surprising development, India’s food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently categorized packaged drinking water as a ‘high-risk food’. Announced on November 29, 2024, this decision was served as a stark reminder of the potential health hazards associated with everyday bottled water consumption. Read along to know more on FSSAI’s take and how you can safeguard yourself from such risks.
FSSAI Issues Caution on Bottled Water
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken a significant step by classifying packaged drinking water as a ‘high-risk food’ on November 29, 2024. This decision comes in response to growing concerns over contaminants found in popular bottled water brands, including harmful bacteria, heavy metals, and microplastics.
The reclassification aims to implement stricter oversight and ensure consumer safety. It follows the recent removal of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification requirement, which previously provided an additional layer of scrutiny for bottled water products. The FSSAI’s new guidelines now mandate regular inspections and audits of manufacturers to ensure compliance with safety standards.
This regulatory shift serves as a reminder that the convenience of bottled water may come at a cost to our health. The rapid growth of the packaged water industry, often prioritizing profit over safety, has necessitated this enhanced quality control measure.
Health Risks Associated with Contaminated Water
The implications of consuming contaminated bottled water are far-reaching and potentially severe. Consumers may unknowingly expose themselves to various health risks, including:
- Gastrointestinal infections are a primary concern, caused by bacteria or viruses present in contaminated water. These can lead to acute symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
- Long-term exposure to contaminants in bottled water can have more insidious effects. Hormonal disruption is linked to chemicals like microplastics and phthalates that can leach from plastic bottles, potentially affecting the endocrine system and overall hormonal balance.
- Kidney damage is another serious risk, resulting from prolonged exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic or lead that may be present in contaminated water. These metals can accumulate in the body over time, leading to chronic kidney disease.
Perhaps most alarmingly, lower fertility has been associated with endocrine disruptors found in some bottled waters. This highlights the potential for contaminated water to impact reproductive health and future generations.
Steps to Protect Yourself from Risks
While the FSSAI’s new regulations aim to improve safety standards, consumers must also take proactive measures to protect themselves. Here are some practical steps you can take:
- Opt for reusable bottles: Reduce your reliance on packaged water by using filtered tap water stored in reusable steel or glass bottles.
- Check for FSSAI certification: Always verify that the bottled water you purchase has a valid FSSAI mark.
- Inspect expiry dates: Remember that bottled water does have an expiration date. Consuming expired products can increase the risk of contamination.
- Be a smart consumer: Avoid purchasing from unregulated local brands that imitate established names but lack proper certification.
- Don’t reuse single-use bottles: Prolonged use of disposable bottles increases the risk of chemical leaching and bacterial growth.
FAQs
Q. Is all bottled water unsafe to drink?
Not necessarily. While the FSSAI has classified packaged drinking water as high-risk, this doesn’t mean all bottled water is unsafe. It emphasises the need for stricter quality control and consumer awareness. Always check for proper certification and expiry dates.
Q. Can I still drink tap water instead?
Tap water can be a safe alternative if properly filtered. Consider using a reliable water purification system at home. However, the safety of tap water can vary depending on your location, so it’s best to check with local authorities about water quality in your area.
Conclusion
The FSSAI’s classification of packaged drinking water as high-risk serves as a wake-up call for consumers who often take the safety of bottled water for granted. For more such useful news, and tech guides, follow GadgetsToUse.
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