The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the licence of M/s Matri Drinking Water in Tripura's Gomati district after an inspection uncovered serious violations of food safety and hygiene regulations.

The regulatory action followed a consumer complaint alleging the presence of foreign materials in packaged drinking water. Acting on the complaint, FSSAI officials conducted an inspection and detected several critical deficiencies that could compromise product quality and consumer safety.

Among the major irregularities, inspectors found that finished packaged drinking water bottles were being stored outside the production premises, directly on the floor and alongside non-food items, creating conditions conducive to contamination.

The inspection also highlighted poor sanitary conditions inside the manufacturing unit. Officials reported damaged walls, peeling paint, cobwebs, and inadequate pest control measures in the processing and filling sections, reflecting a lack of proper hygiene practices.

Further, rusted chemical dosing containers and a corroded reverse osmosis (RO) water storage tank were found in operation. According to FSSAI, the use of such equipment poses a potential risk of contaminating drinking water and endangering public health.

The authority also observed significant shortcomings in the unit's documentation and quality management system. Records relating to cleaning and sanitation, preventive maintenance, pest control, internal audits, and training of food handlers were either missing or not maintained as required under food safety regulations.

Taking note of these serious violations, FSSAI ordered the immediate suspension of the unit's licence. The authority said the action underscores its commitment to enforcing food safety standards and safeguarding consumers from unsafe food products.