The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strict directive to all food business operators across the country to immediately stop using newspapers for packing, wrapping or serving food items, citing significant health and safety concerns.
The advisory comes amid renewed efforts by food safety authorities to promote safer food packaging practices and protect consumers from potential contamination.
Action Triggered by Food Vendor Violation
The latest directive follows an incident in which a vada pav vendor was found using newspapers to pack food items. Following the discovery, the FSSAI, along with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), initiated action against the vendor and intensified awareness campaigns regarding approved food packaging materials.
The food safety regulator reiterated that newspapers are not considered safe for direct food contact under existing food safety regulations.
Why Newspapers Are Unsafe for Food Packaging
According to the FSSAI, newspaper ink contains harmful substances such as:
- Lead
- Heavy metals
- Chemical pigments
- Printing chemicals
These substances can migrate from the newspaper into food when they come into direct contact, especially with hot, oily or moist food items.
Regular consumption of food contaminated by such chemicals may lead to long-term health complications and increase exposure to toxic substances.
Risk of Contamination and Foodborne Illnesses
Apart from chemical contamination, newspapers may also carry biological contaminants.
The FSSAI noted that newspapers are often handled by multiple individuals and stored in environments that may not meet hygiene standards. As a result, they can accumulate dust, dirt, bacteria and other contaminants that may transfer to food products.
This raises the risk of foodborne illnesses and compromises consumer safety.
FSSAI Cites Packaging Regulations
The regulator referred to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, which clearly prohibit the use of:
- Newspapers
- Recycled paper
- Non-food-grade materials
for storing, wrapping, transporting or serving food.
Food businesses are legally required to use approved food-grade packaging materials that meet safety standards prescribed by the authority.
Food Businesses Asked to Use Approved Packaging Materials
The FSSAI has directed all food business operators, including:
- Street food vendors
- Restaurants
- Caterers
- Cloud kitchens
- Food delivery operators
- Retail food outlets
to immediately switch to approved food-grade packaging solutions.
The authority warned that violations could attract regulatory action under food safety laws.
Consumers Advised to Stay Alert
The food safety regulator has also urged consumers to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing food items packed in newspapers or other non-approved materials.
Consumers are encouraged to report food safety violations to the relevant authorities and choose vendors who follow proper food handling and packaging practices.
Ensuring Safer Food Across India
The latest directive forms part of the FSSAI’s broader effort to strengthen food safety standards and create greater awareness among food businesses and consumers.
Officials believe that eliminating unsafe packaging practices will significantly reduce contamination risks and improve public health outcomes across the country.
With food safety becoming an increasingly important public health issue, the FSSAI has reiterated that compliance with approved packaging norms is essential for ensuring safe and hygienic food for all consumers.
