FSSAI cracks down on newspaper use in food packaging, issues fresh warning to vendors
PTC Web Desk: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), West Region, has issued a renewed advisory urging food vendors to immediately stop using newspapers for packing, wrapping, or serving food following a recent enforcement action involving a well-known vada pav vendor in Mumbai.
The action was carried out jointly by FSSAI's West Regional Office and the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) after it was found that food was being packed and served using newspapers. In light of the possibility of similar practices being followed elsewhere, the food regulator has appealed to all food business operators to strictly adhere to food safety norms.
FSSAI highlighted that newspaper ink contains several harmful substances, including pigments, colours, binders, chemicals, lead and other heavy metals. These toxic elements can migrate into food items, posing long-term health risks to consumers. Additionally, newspapers are often exposed to unhygienic conditions during printing, transportation, and distribution, making them potential carriers of bacteria and other disease-causing pathogens.
The authority reiterated that the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, explicitly prohibit the use of newspapers and similar printed materials for storing, wrapping, or serving food. Previous advisories on the issue have also been issued by the regulator.
The directive applies to all food businesses, including street food vendors, restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, quick-service restaurants (QSRs), petty retailers, mobile food vendors and hawkers. Vendors have been instructed not to use newspapers for any food-related purpose, including wrapping food items, covering ingredients, or absorbing excess oil.
FSSAI has advised food business operators to switch to approved food-grade packaging materials to ensure consumer safety and compliance with food safety regulations. Consumers have also been encouraged to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing food served or packed in newspapers.
The food regulator said it is working closely with state authorities to strengthen enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations. It also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safe and sustainable packaging practices across the food and beverage sector while raising awareness about food safety among consumers.
- With inputs from agencies
