New Delhi, June 6: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a warning regarding the use of newspapers for packaging or serving food, citing serious health risks.
The FSSAI has instructed food vendors and establishments across the country to cease the practice of wrapping or serving food in newspapers, as it poses a significant threat to public health.
This advisory follows a recent incident in Mumbai, where a vada pav vendor was found using newspapers for food packaging and serving. In response, the FSSAI’s Western Region collaborated with the Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MCGM) to take joint action and issue directives to curb such practices in the city and surrounding areas.
The food safety regulator highlighted that the printing inks used in newspapers contain harmful chemicals, pigments, binders, and heavy metals like lead, which can leach into food when in contact with hot or oily items.
Moreover, the FSSAI warned that newspapers often come into contact with unsanitary conditions during distribution and handling, potentially harboring pathogens that can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Reiterating existing regulations, the FSSAI emphasized that the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, strictly prohibit the use of newspapers or other unapproved materials for food storage, wrapping, or serving.
This advisory applies to all food businesses, including street vendors, restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, quick-service restaurants, hawkers, and mobile food vendors. They are directed to use only safe, food-grade packaging materials.
Additionally, the FSSAI urged consumers to remain vigilant and avoid consuming food wrapped or served in newspapers.
The FSSAI and state authorities continue to monitor and enforce compliance under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, while promoting safe and sustainable packaging solutions in the food sector.
Earlier in May, the food safety regulator issued a legal notice to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) after a video went viral on social media, showing unsanitary handling of utensils on the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT)-Ernakulam Duronto Express train.
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