FSSAI cracks down on packaged water firm, health supplement maker

New Delhi: Food regulator FSSAI has suspended the licence of Tripura-based Matri Drinking Water and issued a prohibition order to Punjab-based Noble Healthcare for food safety law violations.

In a social media post on Monday, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) informed that it has suspended licence of Matri Drinking Water, Gomati, Tripura over serious food safety violations observed during inspection.

"Food safety complaint received regarding presence of foreign materials in packaged drinking water. Inspection revealed serious violations affecting food safety and hygiene standards," the regulator said.


The FSSAI pointed out that finished products were stored improperly outside the facility along with non-food materials and directly on the floor. This creates risk of contamination.

"Processing and filling areas were found in poor hygienic condition. Damaged walls, flaking paint, cobwebs and inadequate pest control measures were observed," it said.

Separately, FSSAI said that it has prohibited Noble Healthcare at Mohali in Punjab from manufacturing, storing, distributing and selling "Venolex Forte".

"The product contains ingredients not permitted under the applicable regulations. Further, the Vitamin C content (90 mg) appears to exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) prescribed under the ICMR-NIN Guidelines, 2020," the regulator said.

Moreover, the FSSAI pointed out that the product contains pharmacologically active ingredients including Calcium Dobesilate, Diosmin and Euphorbia Prostrata. These ingredients are not allowed under the FSS (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations, 2022.