FDA Kashmir crackdown: ICY Wave plant under FDA scanner in Pulwama over FSSAI licence violation. (Img: Dynamite News)
Srinagar: A major food safety enforcement action in Jammu and Kashmir has put the packaged drinking water sector under scrutiny after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sealed a water processing unit at Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) Lassipora in Pulwama district over alleged FSSAI licence violations.
The FDA Jammu and Kashmir team took action against M/s Swat Industries, which was operating under the brand name ICY Wave, following a specific complaint regarding the processing and packaging of drinking water.
During the inspection, officials allegedly found that the unit did not possess a valid FSSAI licence required for manufacturing and packaging packaged drinking water. The development has raised concerns over regulatory compliance, consumer safety and the monitoring of food business operators involved in supplying essential products.
The FDA has collected samples of the packaged drinking water for laboratory examination, suspended operations at the facility and initiated further proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
## FDA Inspection Finds Licence Mismatch
According to the Food Safety Department, the licence number displayed on ICY Wave water bottles was 1102547000051. Officials stated that the licence was issued for wholesale and retail trading of fruits and vegetables and was not applicable for the manufacturing or packaging of drinking water.
The department said that food businesses must hold licences according to the nature of their operations, and any mismatch between approved activity and actual business operations can attract regulatory action.
The inspection was carried out by the FDA Food Safety team of Pulwama after receiving a complaint against the unit.
Following the alleged violations, officials collected two samples of packaged drinking water and sent them for detailed analytical testing to assess compliance with prescribed safety standards.
## Packaged Drinking Water Under Strict Monitoring
The FDA highlighted that packaged drinking water and mineral water fall under the high-risk food category, requiring enhanced monitoring and strict adherence to safety regulations.
Under Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, food business operators involved in activities requiring approval must obtain and maintain a valid licence or registration based on their business category.
The department stated that operating a food business without the mandatory licence can invite penal action under Section 63 of the Act, which provides for a penalty that may extend up to Rs 10 lakh.
The FDA has also initiated steps for further legal proceedings before the competent authority under relevant provisions of food safety law.
## Action Against ICY Wave Plant Raises Consumer Safety Debate
The sealing of the Pulwama unit has brought renewed attention to the importance of quality checks in the packaged drinking water industry.
With increasing dependence on packaged water in households, offices, commercial establishments and tourist destinations, regulatory agencies have repeatedly emphasised the need for proper licensing, hygiene standards and manufacturing compliance.
Food safety experts have maintained that licensing norms help authorities track production practices, ensure accountability and protect consumers from potential health risks.
The latest FDA action highlights the role of enforcement agencies in identifying violations and ensuring that food businesses operate within the legal framework.
## FDA Warns Food Businesses Over Compliance
The Jammu and Kashmir FDA reiterated that all food business operators must obtain appropriate FSSAI licences or registrations before carrying out commercial activities.
The department said enforcement drives against violations would continue across the region to strengthen food safety mechanisms and safeguard public health. Officials maintained that strict action would be taken against units found violating mandatory food safety requirements.
