FSSAI seizes ‘alkaline water’ stock worth Rs 31 lakh, finds banned substance

NEW DELHI: FSSAI has seized stocks of a branded “alkaline water” product worth over Rs 31 lakh after laboratory tests found the presence of fulvic acid, a substance not permitted in packaged drinking water under current food safety norms. The action followed a consumer complaint filed through the Food Safety Connect portal, after which officials inspected the company’s manufacturing unit in Savli, Gujarat. During the inspection, food safety officers found several irregularities, including missing ingredient details, absence of the product name on the front label and visible black particles inside the bottles. Officials also reported sediment deposits and unexplained blackish-brown colouring in the product. Subsequent laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of fulvic acid, which investigators said came from added black mineral substances and was not naturally present in the water. FSSAI said it has started proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and reiterated that packaged drinking water sold in the market must meet safety and labelling standards.