In a swift and decisive move, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Nagpur Branch, carried out an unexpected raid on August 18, 2023, at the facilities of M/s Prayag Food Products, situated on Paradgaon Road, Partur, District Jalna, Maharashtra. The operation was led by a diligent team comprising Piyush Wasekar, Joint Director; Sandesh Gokanwar, Deputy Director; Prashant Sakharkar, Graduate Engineer; and Manish Muley, SSA.
During the surprise inspection, it was discovered that the aforementioned company was involved in the production of 1-liter PET bottles containing ‘Packaged Drinking Water’ (PDW) under the brand name Aqualis. These bottles bore the BIS certification mark, signaling adherence to quality standards. However, a significant issue arose when it was revealed that the company did not possess a valid license from BIS.
The inspection revealed a substantial amount of evidence to support this finding. A visit to the dispatch section of the factory uncovered a staggering total of 638 boxes, each containing 12 bottles of 1-liter capacity, all sealed with the BIS certification mark. Additionally, a stockpile comprising approximately 106 corrugated boxes and 532 shrink-wrapped boxes, all bearing the BIS certification mark, was discovered within the premises of the factory.
The initiative was conducted under the careful guidance of Hemant B Ade, Director and Head of BIS’s Nagpur Branch office. As a direct consequence of the inspection’s findings, the authorities have confirmed their intention to initiate the necessary legal actions, as stipulated by the provisions of the BIS Act 2016. These actions will be taken against the company as well as its partners and proprietors involved in the matter.
This incident underscores the BIS’s dedication to upholding stringent quality standards and ensuring that products in the market conform to the prescribed norms. The swift response and resolute actions taken by the BIS serve as a reminder to all manufacturers that compliance with regulations is not only vital but also non-negotiable in safeguarding consumer interests and maintaining the credibility of the industry.