Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Western Region, has directed all food business operators to immediately discontinue the use of newspapers for packing or serving food items, citing serious health risks.
The advisory follows a recent incident in Mumbai involving the use of a newspaper to pack food by a vada pav vendor, after which the FSSAI and the Mumbai civic body, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation took joint action.
The FSSAI warned that printing inks contain harmful chemicals, including lead and other heavy metals, which can contaminate food and pose long-term health risks. It also noted that newspapers are often exposed to unhygienic conditions, increasing the risk of foodborne diseases.
Citing the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, the authority reiterated that newspapers or similar unapproved materials are strictly prohibited for storing, wrapping or serving food. It has directed street vendors, restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers and other food businesses to use only approved food-grade packaging materials. Consumers have also been urged to remain vigilant.
