Sat Dec 27 22:34:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is implementing a new testing framework for packaged drinking water and mineral water, effective January 1, 2026. This framework replaces the mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. While manufacturers in Tamil Nadu will no longer need dual approvals, they will face stricter and more frequent testing, including microbiological parameters. Manufacturers are concerned about increased operational costs, while consumer groups are advocating for a wider network of accredited testing labs to ensure consistent quality and curb unauthorized units. The demand for packaged water remains high, especially in Chennai.

Here’s a rewrite as a news article:

Stricter Water Testing Regime to Hit Tamil Nadu Manufacturers in 2026

CHENNAI, December 28, 2025 – Packaged drinking water manufacturers in Tamil Nadu are bracing for a stricter testing regime as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) prepares to implement its new regulatory framework on January 1, 2026. The directive removes the requirement for mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification, potentially sparing manufacturers dual approvals.

However, the new system introduces more stringent and frequent testing requirements, including microbiological parameters, which manufacturers fear will significantly increase operational costs. A. Shakespeare, founder-president of the Greater Tamil Nadu Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers Association, warned that manufacturers could face legal action and license cancellation if samples fail to meet the new quality standards.

Consumer groups are advocating for a broader network of accredited testing laboratories across the state to ensure consistent quality and curb the operation of unauthorized units. T. Sadagopan, president of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Centre, emphasized the need for more testing facilities at the local level, simplified licensing processes, and periodic third-party inspections.

Despite the increased compliance burden, the demand for packaged drinking water remains strong, particularly in Chennai, where daily consumption reaches three crore liters.

While BIS certifications are no longer mandatory after January 1st, BIS continues to receive applications for standards certification, and officials said they have its own market surveillance mechanism, and action would be taken against misuse of the ISI mark.

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