The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a renewed warning to food business owners and operators across the country, directing them to refrain from the use of newspapers for packaging, storing or serving food products.

The food regulator’s latest advisory came days after a vadapav vendor in Mumbai was allegedly found using newspapers to wrap and serve food items. The video of the act went viral, and prompted action from both the FSSAI’s Western Region office and the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), putting the spotlight again on food safety practices among vendors and eateries.

Edibles served, stored in newspapers pose serious health risks

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an official statement, highlighting the potential dangers linked with using newspapers as an alternative for bowls or carry bags meant for transporting edibles. According to the Ministry, newspaper printing inks contain several harmful substances, including colours, pigments, binders and chemicals that may contain lead and other heavy metals. These toxic components can migrate into food, particularly when the edibles are hot, oily or moist.

Health experts have warned for a long time that prolonged exposure to the said contaminants may contribute to chronic health issues. Furthermore, the Ministry pointed out that newspapers pass through multiple stages of handling and distribution before reaching consumers, often exposing them to unsanitary conditions. Consequently, they can harbour bacteria, viruses and other pathogens capable of causing food-borne ailments.

Prohibitory rules already in force

The FSSAI further said that the use of newspapers for storing, wrapping or serving food is already prohibited under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. It noted that advisories on the issue had also been released earlier, but violations continue to emerge.

Notably, the directive applies to a wide range of food businesses, such as street food vendors, restaurants, caterers, cloud kitchens, quick service restaurants, food stalls, petty retailers, mobile food vendors and hawkers. Authorities underscored that newspapers must not be used at any stage of food preparation or sale, including for absorbing excess oil, covering ingredients, wrapping food products or serving ready-to-eat items.

Vendors instructed to switch to food-grade packaging

Reiterating its commitment to the safety of consumers, the FSSAI urged food business operators to adopt only approved food-grade packaging materials. The body said the move was necessary to safeguard the health of the people and ensure that the food products remain free from contamination throughout the supply chain.

On the other hand, it also encouraged the consumers to remain wary and report instances where food is being served or packed in newspapers.