New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a fresh advisory directing all food business operators across the country to immediately stop using newspapers for packing, wrapping, storing, or serving food items. The food safety regulator has warned that the long-standing practice poses significant health risks due to the presence of harmful chemicals and contaminants in newspaper ink.
The advisory comes after a vada pav vendor was reportedly found using newspapers to wrap food products. Following the incident, the FSSAI, in coordination with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), initiated action against the vendor and intensified awareness campaigns regarding safe and hygienic food packaging practices.
Newspapers Not Safe for Food Contact: FSSAI
According to FSSAI, newspapers are not food-grade materials and should never come into direct contact with edible items. The authority stated that printing ink used in newspapers contains potentially toxic substances, including lead, heavy metals, mineral oils, solvents, and chemical pigments.
When hot or oily food is wrapped in newspapers, these harmful substances can migrate into the food, increasing the risk of chemical contamination. Regular consumption of contaminated food may lead to adverse health effects over time.
Food safety experts have repeatedly cautioned that ink residues can seep into food products, particularly when exposed to heat, moisture, or oil, making newspaper packaging unsafe for human consumption.
Long-Term Health Hazards Associated with Newspaper Packaging
The food regulator highlighted that prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals present in newspaper ink can potentially contribute to various health complications.
Some of the risks associated with contaminated food include:
- Exposure to toxic heavy metals such as lead
- Increased risk of digestive disorders
- Potential damage to the nervous system
- Adverse effects on kidney and liver function
- Long-term accumulation of harmful chemicals in the body
- Higher vulnerability among children, pregnant women, and elderly individuals
FSSAI emphasized that even small amounts of contamination consumed repeatedly over a long period can have serious consequences for public health.
Hygiene Concerns Add to the Risk
Apart from chemical contamination, the authority pointed out that newspapers are often handled by multiple individuals and stored in environments that may not meet hygiene standards.
Newspapers may be exposed to:
- Dust and dirt
- Bacteria and microbes
- Moisture and environmental pollutants
- Improper storage conditions
- Frequent handling during transportation and distribution
Such exposure increases the possibility of food contamination and can contribute to foodborne illnesses.
Packaging Regulations Clearly Prohibit Newspaper Use
FSSAI reiterated that the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 clearly prohibit the use of newspapers, recycled paper, and other non-approved materials for packaging, storing, wrapping, or serving food.
The regulations require food businesses to use only approved food-grade materials that do not react with food or compromise consumer safety.
The authority stressed that compliance with these regulations is mandatory for all food business operators.
Advisory Issued to All Food Businesses
The directive applies to a wide range of food establishments, including:
- Street food vendors
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Caterers
- Cloud kitchens
- Food delivery businesses
- Sweet shops
- Bakeries
- Fast-food outlets
- Small food stalls and kiosks
FSSAI has instructed operators to switch to approved food-grade packaging materials such as food-safe paper, parchment paper, butter paper, aluminium foil approved for food use, food-grade containers, and certified packaging products.
Consumers Asked to Remain Vigilant
The food safety regulator has also appealed to consumers to remain alert and avoid purchasing food items packed in newspapers.
Consumers are encouraged to report unsafe food packaging practices to local food safety authorities if they notice vendors continuing to use newspapers for food wrapping or serving.
The authority stated that consumer awareness plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with food safety standards and protecting public health.
Growing Focus on Food Safety Standards
The latest advisory reflects FSSAI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food safety practices across India and promote safer packaging standards. With increasing awareness about hygiene, contamination, and consumer health, authorities are placing greater emphasis on ensuring that food reaches consumers through approved and scientifically safe packaging materials.
Officials have reiterated that food safety begins not only with the quality of ingredients but also with the materials used to store, transport, and serve food products.
