Unsafe Packaged Water Alert: Baramulla Food Safety Bans ‘Snow Drop’ Drinking Water Over High Arsenic Levels
Baramulla, Oct 7:
In a significant public health action, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Baramulla has prohibited the sale of packaged drinking water under the brand name ‘Snow Drop’, following laboratory confirmation that the water contained arsenic levels above the permissible limit.
The order, issued by Ajaz Iqbal, Assistant Commissioner and Designated Officer, Food Safety Baramulla, cites a detailed laboratory analysis by the National Food Laboratory, Ghaziabad, which declared the product unsafe for human consumption.
According to the official order (No: DO/BLA/FSSA/3381-83, dated 26/09/2025), a sample of ‘Snow Drop’ packaged drinking water (Batch No. 0062, capacity 2 litres) was collected by the Food Safety Officer Dangiwacha. The product was manufactured by M/S Aqua Impex Foods, located at Chakla, Janbazpora, Rafiabad, Baramulla, with a packing date of March 14, 2025, and expiry date of December 13, 2025.
Laboratory tests confirmed that the sample contained arsenic above the maximum prescribed limit under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006. Arsenic is a highly toxic element known to cause serious health issues, including skin disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer when consumed over time.
> “Consumption of packaged drinking water containing arsenic content above the permissible limit may pose a serious threat to consumer health,” the order states.
Invoking Section 36(3)(b) of the FSSA, the Food Safety Officer has directed an immediate ban on the sale and distribution of the said batch of ‘Snow Drop’ packaged water across the district of Baramulla, until further orders are issued.
The authorities have also warned that manufacturing or sale of unsafe food is a punishable offense under the Act and urged local traders, retailers, and distributors to cease sale and recall existing stock immediately.
Public Health Advisory
Residents of Baramulla and nearby areas are advised not to consume or purchase ‘Snow Drop’ packaged water (Batch No. 0062, 2-litre bottles). Consumers who may have already bought the product are urged to discontinue use and report any related health concerns to the nearest health or food safety office.
This move underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring food and water safety across Jammu and Kashmir, amid growing concerns about contamination and non-compliance by certain local manufacturers.