Key Update

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to tighten permissible limits of antimony and DEHP in packaged drinking water to match international standards. However, the court allowed the petitioner to approach the concerned authority with a formal representation.

Bench Flags Ground-Level Food Safety Priorities

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, said the plea did not reflect India’s food and water safety realities, where access to safe drinking water remains a challenge for many. The court described the petition as “luxury litigation” and stressed that regulatory focus must align with broader public needs. The petitioner argued that antimony and DEHP—chemicals used in plastic packaging to improve durability and flexibility—can leach into bottled water and pose health risks when present beyond safe limits.

Call to Align Indian Standards With Global Norms

Senior Advocate Anita Shenoy, appearing for the petitioner, told the court that Indian standards permit higher levels of these chemicals than those recommended by the World Health Organisation and followed in several countries. She urged authorities to revise the limits to strengthen consumer protection.

Court Questions Practical Feasibility

The bench questioned whether India could realistically adopt standards followed in developed nations, noting that many people rely on groundwater rather than packaged water. The court emphasised that food safety regulations must balance public health safeguards with practical implementation.

Health Risks Highlighted

The PIL cited scientific studies linking excessive exposure to antimony and DEHP to cardiovascular issues, respiratory irritation, gastrointestinal problems, and long-term liver and kidney damage. It also referred to research connecting DEHP exposure to increased cardiovascular disease risk.

Alleged Gaps in Current Regulations

The petition pointed out inconsistencies between standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for bottled water packaging and the FSSAI for drinking water. It argued that both fall short of international benchmarks and allow higher chemical residues without scientific evidence of higher tolerance among Indian consumers.

Source: The Indian Express