The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has advised food vendors nationwide to refrain from using newspapers for wrapping or serving food due to health hazards associated with the practice. This caution comes after a vadapav vendor in Mumbai was found using newspapers to pack food, prompting joint action by FSSAI, West Region, and the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) to discourage such practices. Printing inks in newspapers contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals like lead that can contaminate food, while newspapers may also harbor pathogens from unhygienic conditions.
FSSAI emphasized that the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, strictly prohibit the use of newspapers or similar unapproved materials for food storage, wrapping, or serving. The advisory extends to all food businesses, including street vendors, restaurants, caterers, and mobile food vendors, who are instructed to opt for safe and food-grade packaging materials instead. Consumers are also urged to be cautious and avoid consuming food that is served or wrapped in newspapers to prevent health risks.
Continuing surveillance and enforcement under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI and state authorities are working to ensure compliance while advocating for safe and sustainable packaging solutions in the food industry. Earlier, in May, FSSAI issued a notice to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) regarding alleged unhygienic handling of utensils on Train No. 12223 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT)-Ernakulam (ERS) Duronto Express following a video circulating on social media.
