FSSAI warns food vendors against using newspapers for packaging
New Delhi, June 6
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has urged food vendors and establishments across the country to stop using newspapers for wrapping or serving food, citing serious health risks associated with the practice, according to an official statement on Saturday.
The advisory follows a recent incident in Mumbai where a vadapav vendor was found using newspapers to pack and serve food, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.
Following the case, FSSAI, West Region, along with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), took joint action and issued directions to discourage similar practices across the city and region.
The food safety regulator said printing inks used in newspapers contain harmful chemicals, pigments, binders and heavy metals, including lead, which can leach into food when it comes into contact with hot or oily items.
Moreover, it warned that newspapers, during distribution and handling are often exposed to unhygienic conditions and may carry pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses.
Reiterating existing regulations, FSSAI said the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, strictly prohibit the use of newspapers or similar unapproved materials for storing, wrapping or serving food.
The advisory applies to all food businesses, including street vendors, restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, quick service restaurants, hawkers and mobile food vendors, which have been directed to use only safe and food-grade packaging materials.
In addition, FSSAI urged consumers to remain vigilant and avoid consuming food served or wrapped in newspapers.
FSSAI and state authorities are continuing surveillance and enforcement under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, while also promoting safe and sustainable packaging solutions in the food sector.
Earlier in May, the food safety regulator issued a statutory notice to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) over alleged unhygienic handling of utensils onboard Train No. 12223 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT)-Ernakulam (ERS) Duronto Express, following a video circulating on social media.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is a good move but honestly, where is the alternative for small vendors? Many of them cannot afford expensive food-grade packaging. The government should also subsidize safe packaging materials or provide low-cost options. Otherwise, this will just hurt their livelihoods. 🙁
I remember eating vada pav wrapped in newspaper as a child in Mumbai. It just felt so authentic yaar! But now I realize how unsafe it was. This advisory should have come years ago. Good job FSSAI for finally taking action.
It's not just newspapers, what about the plastic bags used to pack hot food? They also leach chemicals. FSSAI needs to look at the bigger picture here. But yes, banning newspaper use for food is a good first step. Arrey bhai, abhi toh awareness hi nahi hai logon mein.
While I appreciate the move, I think FSSAI is focusing on the wrong things. The IRCTC train video about dirty utensils was shocking! They need to clean up their act first before targeting small vendors. Prioritize the bigger issues, please!
I work in printing, and trust me, the chemicals in newspaper ink are nasty. Lead, cadmium, all sorts of toxins. This is a no-brainer for public health. But the onus is also on us consumers to refuse food wrapped in newspaper. Start saying no! 💪
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.