FSSAI has issued an order dated 9 September 2019 related to Serving of Drinking Water in paper sealed glass bottles for captive use in hotels. FSSAI has received representations from hotels for allowing them to serve drinking water in paper sealed glass bottles exclusively for their in-house guests and which represents their commitment towards environmental sustainability.
At present hotels across the country serve packaged drinking water in plastic bottles. There is no doubt that the consumption of plastic bottles used in hotels generates a considerable amount of plastic waste. FSSAI has examined the matter in the light of the hotels’ request and taking cognizance of the waste generated has decided to allow hotels to serve drinking water in paper sealed reusable glass bottles for captive use within the hotel premises subject to the following conditions
- The paper sealed glass water bottles will not be for sale and be served free of cost to their in-house guests.
- The label of the paper sealed glass bottles will prominently specify “Not for Sale” along with the name and address of the hotel
- The hotels will set up in-house drinking water bottling systems in their premises for serving paper. They will also follow the sanitation and hygienic conditions as prescribed under Schedule IV of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations 2011.
- The paper sealed glass bottled water as such shall be deemed not to be covered under the definition of Packaged Water as specified under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and Regulations there underway.
- The water served shall confirm to BIS specification IS: 10500: 2012 (specifications for drinking water).
Sustainability efforts by hotels
A lot of hotels all around the world are taking sustainability measures to reduce use of plastic or want to completely do away with the use of plastic bottles for water and other use. Many of the hotels now have water stations or are using reusable bottles for serving fresh water made of glass, aluminium, copper, etc. Along with using reusable bottles for drinking water they are also making efforts to reduce single use plastic like straws, plastic glasses and as containers for amenities, so they can also do their bit for the environment and create a ‘green’ brand as that is attracting environment conscious customers.
K.K.Aravindakshan says
Serving drinking water in paper sealed glass bottles is a better option. Similarly we have to develop something like tetra packing with wax coated paper inside, with aluminum cap and wax coated paper wads; or any other natural water repelling agents in combination with eco-friendly materials.