The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated action against a Gujarat-based company for allegedly manufacturing and selling “alkaline water” containing a prohibited ingredient raising fresh concerns over misleading health claims and regulatory violations in the packaged drinking water segment. According to officials, the company was found using ingredients and formulations that are not permitted under existing food safety regulations governing packaged drinking water in India. The regulator has reportedly directed corrective action and initiated enforcement proceedings against the firm.
The crackdown comes amid increasing scrutiny of the rapidly growing alkaline water market which has witnessed aggressive promotion through claims related to improved hydration, detoxification, immunity and better overall health. However, food safety authorities have repeatedly cautioned manufacturers against making unverified or misleading therapeutic claims.
Sources indicate that the ingredient used by the Gujarat-based company is not approved for use in packaged drinking water under FSSAI standards. Officials noted that packaged drinking water must strictly comply with prescribed safety, mineral composition and labelling norms. FSSAI has also reiterated that no manufacturer can market packaged drinking water with medical or disease-curing claims unless specifically approved under regulatory frameworks. Experts say many so-called “functional water” products often blur the line between beverages and health supplements creating regulatory challenges.
The action reflects growing concerns within the food safety ecosystem over the rising popularity of premium “health water” categories including alkaline water, hydrogen water, oxygenated water and mineral-enhanced beverages. Regulators are increasingly monitoring such products to ensure scientific validity, consumer safety and transparent labelling practices.
Healthcare experts note that while alkaline water has gained popularity globally as a wellness product scientific evidence supporting many of its claimed health benefits remains limited. Most medical professionals maintain that ordinary safe drinking water is sufficient for hydration in healthy individuals. Food safety specialists also warn that unauthorised additives or unapproved ingredients in drinking water products could pose potential health risks, especially if consumed regularly without proper regulatory oversight.
Industry observers believe the latest action may trigger stricter scrutiny of India’s premium bottled water and wellness beverage market, which has expanded rapidly due to rising health consciousness and lifestyle-driven consumption trends.The crackdown also highlights FSSAI’s broader efforts to strengthen compliance, curb misleading health claims and ensure greater transparency in India’s fast-growing packaged food and beverage sector.
