In a first, Food and Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has directed all states to use the colour blue to differentiate between edible and non-edible ice. The order was issued on May 4 and will be implemented all over the country from June 1.

“Food safety commissioners of states/Union territories are requested to enhance surveillance/enforcement on the sale of non-edible ice to ensure compliance of this directive,” Garima Singh, director (regulatory compliance), FSSAI, stated in the order.

This is to ensure that people do not consume harmful non-edible ice. The Maharashtra government made it mandatory in March to use the colour blue to mark non-edible ice.

What is non-edible ice?

Non-edible ice is made from non-potable water which is not fit for consumption. The incorrect use of non-edible ice for transportation of edible food items can result in contamination, which is harmful to human health.

FSSAI says, “It has been observed that in the absence of any visible distinction between edible ice and non-edible ice, the latter is also being diverted and consumed for edible purposes.”