Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 8: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated enforcement action against a Gujarat-based manufacturer of ‘alkaline water’ after inspections revealed serious labelling violations, misbranding and the use of a non-permitted ingredient in the product.

The action was taken by FSSAI’s western regional office following a consumer complaint submitted through the Food Safety Connect portal.

According to the regulator, the complaint alleged that the Food Business Operator (FBO) had failed to address consumer grievances, prompting officials to conduct an inspection at the company’s manufacturing facility in Savli near Vadodara.

During the inspection, officials reportedly found multiple irregularities, including the absence of the product name on the front packaging, missing ingredient declarations and visible black particles inside the packaged water bottles.

Further technical examination revealed additional concerns such as unexplained blackish-brown discolouration, sediment formation and inconsistencies between information provided on primary and secondary packaging.

Following the findings, regulatory authorities seized stock worth approximately Rs 31.61 lakh and initiated proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Laboratory analysis later confirmed the presence of fulvic acid, a substance not permitted under FSSAI regulations for such products.

Investigators found that the ingredient had allegedly been introduced through the addition of black mineral substances and was not naturally present in the water, constituting a violation of food safety norms.

FSSAI reiterated its commitment to ensuring that food and beverage products sold in the market are safe, properly labelled and compliant with regulatory standards.