New rules will replace regulation 2.10.9 (2) under the standards.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed new rules for water vending machines, which are defined as decentralized purification systems that purify and dispense water for sale. These machines are subject to certain physical and microbiological limits to ensure the water quality is safe for consumption.

Physical Limits:

The proposed rules specify the following physical limits for water dispensed from vending machines:
- Color: Maximum 5 Hazen
- pH: 6.5-8.5
- Turbidity: Maximum 1 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units)
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Maximum 500 mg/l

Microbiological Safety:

The proposed rules also specify microbiological safety standards for water dispensed from vending machines. The requirements include:
- E-coli: Not detectable in any 100ml sample
- Thermotolerant coliform: Not detectable in any 100ml sample
- Total coliform: Not detectable in any 100ml sample

Objective:

The objective of these proposed rules is to ensure that water dispensed from vending machines is safe for human consumption and meets certain quality standards. By specifying physical and microbiological limits, FSSAI aims to protect public health and prevent waterborne diseases.

Stakeholder Feedback:

The FSSAI has invited stakeholders to provide objections or suggestions on the proposed draft. This allows interested parties, including consumers, manufacturers, and experts, to provide feedback and contribute to the development of the final regulations.

Implementation:

Once the proposed rules are finalized, water vending machine operators will be required to comply with the specified physical and microbiological limits. Regular testing and monitoring of water quality will be necessary to ensure compliance with the regulations. By setting clear standards, FSSAI can help ensure that water vending machines provide safe and clean drinking water to consumers.