Watch that label closely: Water bottled as ‘Bilseri’ at this Noida factory

NOIDA: Two factories in Greater Noida were caught illegally packaging drinking water without a valid license. Following a tip-off, the food department raided the factories on Tuesday and seized 13,092 one-litre water bottles.

Officials also took two samples for lab testing to check the water quality. Sarvesh Mishra, assistant commissioner of food, said the raids were part of a summer campaign to ensure safe drinking water. “We are checking if packaged drinking water in the market meets safety norms,” he said. Gupta Enterprises, located at K-300, Site 5, Kasna industrial area, was found operating without a valid food licence and packaging water in one-litre bottles under the name of ‘Bilseri’, which closely resembles the name and appearance of a well-known brand.

6,252 bottles were found at the factory, of which one sample was taken, and the remaining 6,236 bottles were sealed on the spot.

The team also raided the Parametro Waser Technology, operating from plot number 2/88, also in Site 5, Kasna industrial area. “This plant, too, was running in violation of food safety norms. A total of 6,856 one-litre bottles were found. After collecting a sample, 6,840 bottles were sealed,” Mishra said.Operations at both plants have been halted until further legal action is completed.