Your "healthy" alkaline water may not be safe: FSSAI finds black particles, unapproved substance in Gujarat factory raid

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has taken strict enforcement action against a Gujarat-based alkaline water manufacturer after inspections reportedly uncovered serious food safety and labelling violations.

According to the food regulator, the action was initiated by FSSAI’s western regional office following a consumer complaint submitted through the Food Safety Connect portal. The complaint alleged that the Food Business Operator (FBO) had failed to properly respond to customer grievances, prompting authorities to launch a detailed inspection of the company’s manufacturing facility in Savli, Vadodara.

FSSAI Inspection Reveals Multiple Violations

During the inspection, officials reportedly discovered several irregularities linked to the packaging and quality of the alkaline water product.


FSSAI said the product name was missing from the front side of the packaging, while ingredient declarations were also absent. Inspectors further noticed visible black particles inside the finished bottled water product.


According to the regulator, technical examination of the samples revealed additional concerns, including unexplained blackish-brown discolouration, sediment deposits and contradictory information printed on the primary and secondary packaging materials.

These findings raised serious concerns regarding compliance with food safety and labelling standards under Indian regulations.

Stocks Worth Over Rs 31 Lakh Seized

Following the inspection, regulatory authorities seized stocks worth nearly Rs 31.61 lakh and initiated formal legal proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.

The seizure forms part of FSSAI’s broader effort to strengthen food safety enforcement and ensure that products sold to consumers meet approved quality standards.

Laboratory Tests Detect Non-Permitted Substance

Further laboratory analysis reportedly confirmed the presence of fulvic acid in the alkaline water product. FSSAI stated that fulvic acid is not permitted under existing food safety regulations for such products.

Investigators found that the substance had allegedly been introduced through the addition of black mineral materials rather than occurring naturally in the water source or manufacturing process.

According to officials, this directly violated FSSAI food safety norms and regulatory guidelines governing packaged drinking water products in India.

FSSAI Reiterates Focus On Consumer Safety

In its statement, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India reiterated its commitment to ensuring that food and beverage products available in the Indian market remain safe, properly labelled and compliant with regulatory standards.

The authority also stressed the importance of transparent ingredient declarations and accurate packaging information to protect consumer health and trust.

Inputs from agencies