GUWAHATI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has classified packaged drinking water and mineral water as a ‘High-Risk Food Category’, placing them under stricter quality regulations. This category includes food items prone to contamination and potential health hazards, requiring frequent inspections and regulatory oversight. Other high-risk foods include dairy, meat, seafood, infant food, and ready-to-eat products.
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Under the new guidelines, manufacturers must now undergo annual facility inspections and third-party food safety audits approved by FSSAI. The move aims to improve quality standards and minimise health risks associated with bottled water.
A 2024 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that bottled water contains 10 to 100 times more plastic particles than previously estimated. Researchers discovered that a single litre of bottled water holds an average of 240,000 plastic particles, with 90% being nanoplastics—so tiny that they are invisible under a microscope.
According to the study, nanoplastics can enter the bloodstream by passing through the digestive tract or lungs, potentially carrying harmful chemicals throughout the body.
Sherri Mason, Director of Sustainability at Penn State Behrend, emphasised the risks, stating,
“These findings reinforce long-standing advice to drink tap water from glass or stainless steel containers to limit plastic exposure. The same caution applies to food and beverages packaged in plastic.”
Adding to the concern, Phoebe Stapleton, associate professor at Rutgers University and co-author of the study, noted, “Micro and nanoplastics have now been found in human blood, lung tissues, the placenta, and even in human faeces.”
With the rising popularity of mineral, alkaline, and black alkaline water, brands market them as superior hydration options. However, experts argue that scientific evidence supporting their health benefits remains limited.
Nutritionist Tanya Sahni said,“Much of it is just marketing. While some brands do contain minerals or come from natural sources, their benefits rarely surpass those of clean, regular water.”
Similarly, holistic nutritionist Shalu Nijhawan warns that premium branding often misleads consumers, “Labels like ‘Himalayan water’ or ‘pure mineral water’ are often marketing gimmicks. Most of this water is processed and repackaged. Always check for FSSAI certification and reliable labelling.”
The latest trend, black alkaline water, is marketed for detox, hydration, and nutrient absorption due to its fulvic acid content. However, research does not confirm whether it provides any real advantages over clean, filtered water for daily consumption.
To minimise plastic exposure and health risks, recommendations can be followed:
-Carry a reusable water bottle or use metal/paper cups
-If purchasing bottled water, opt for glass bottles
-Choose BPA-free plastic bottles if glass is unavailable
-Store plastic-bottled water away from heat, as high temperatures can cause BPA (a harmful chemical linked to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease) to leach into the water
With growing concerns over plastic contamination, making informed choices about water consumption is crucial for long-term health.
