New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered all food business owners to immediately stop using newspapers for food packing, wrapping, or serving.
Printing ink and chemicals used in newspapers could contaminate food and threaten consumers’ health, the warning posted on the official social media account states.
The FSSAI has clarified that only food-grade packaging materials authorised by food safety rules should be used by eateries, street vendors, food stands, and other food-related companies.
Printing inks have hazardous substances, such as lead and other heavy metals, which can taint food and present long-term health dangers, the food safety watchdog has warned. Newspapers frequently encounter unsanitary conditions, heightening the likelihood of foodborne illnesses, the FSSAI has said.
This comes after a recent incident in Mumbai, where a vada pav vendor was caught using newspapers to bundle food items. The FSSAI and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched a combined action against the vendor following this incident.
All India Radio also published the advice through a social media note that highlighted the risks associated with newspaper wrapping and urged food vendors to follow safety requirements. Using newspapers for direct food contact is dangerous and breaches food safety regulations, the FSSAI stated. Customers have also been cautioned not to buy food served or packaged in newspapers.
Newspaper ink contains harmful chemicals, pigments, and additives that can migrate into food, especially when the food is hot, oily, or moist, the FSSAI states. These substances may include toxic compounds that pose long-term health risks to consumers. The food regulator emphasized that newspapers are not food-grade materials and should never come into direct contact with edible items.
Authorities observed common practices such as wrapping snacks, fried foods, and takeaway items in newspapers, during inspections. Vendors have been advised to switch to safe, food-grade packaging materials that comply with food safety regulations.
