New Delhi, 07 May (H.S.):

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Western Regional Office has launched a major crackdown against an 'Alkaline Water' manufacturer following a consumer complaint. FSSAI seized stock worth approximately ₹31.61 lakh and initiated action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of fulvic acid in the product, which does not comply with current FSSAI regulations. Investigations revealed that this substance resulted from adding black mineral matter and was not naturally present in the water, constituting a clear breach of safety standards.

The complaint was lodged via the Food Safety Connect portal, highlighting the food business operator's (FBO) failure to address grievances.

Subsequently, the manufacturing unit in Savli, Vadodara district, Gujarat, was inspected. The probe uncovered several irregularities: no product name on the front of the packaging, absent ingredient declaration, and visible black particles in the finished product.

Technical examination exposed multiple discrepancies, including unclear black-brown color, sediment presence, and inconsistencies between primary and secondary packaging details.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar