Unlicensed packaged drinking water unit sealed

Officials of Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department inspecting a packaged drinking water plant at Nethimedu in Salem on Friday.

A packaged drinking water unit found operating without a licence was sealed by officials here on Friday.

The issue came to light after Additional Superintendent of Police Saroj Kumar Tagur was supplied with a 20-litre can of water that contained worms. He immediately took up the issue with T. Anuradha, District Designated Officer, Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department who inspected the plant in Pudur Itteri Road on Thursday evening.

It was found that the plant was operating without licence from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

A fake ISO symbol was used on the cans and untreated water packed in cans and processing machines were found to be kept in unhygienic n conditions. Samples were taken and sent to the Food Analysis Laboratory in Guindy, Chennai. The plant was also sealed.

On Friday, health officials and the police inspected the plant. Addressing reporters, Ms. Anuradha said that as per Section 26, 34 (1) (2) (3) (4), 36, 38 of The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it was found that health risk conditions existed in the packaged cans and ‘Emergency Prohibition Notice’ was served to the owner, G. Deepak. The issue would be taken up with the Commissioner of Food Safety for further action. She said that of the 32 units in the district, 24 units were operating with licence. ‘Nine units produced flavoured drinking water without ISI certification. She requested people to use only ISI- certified branded drinking water and also to check the manufacturing date on the can.

Based on a complaint from A. Suresh, Grade One Officer, Camp Office, the Annathanapatti police are investigating.