FSSAI strongly urges consumers and food vendors to immediately stop using newspaper for packing or serving food items

The chief executive officer (CEO) of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) G Kamala Vardhana Rao, has strongly urged consumers and food vendors across the country to immediately stop using newspapers for packing, serving and storing food items. 

Expressing concern over the use of newspapers for wrapping or packaging food, Rao highlighted the significant health risks associated with this practice, with the aim to alert consumers, food vendors and other stakeholders.  

The ink used in newspapers contains various bioactive materials with known negative health effects, which can contaminate food and lead to health issues when ingested. Additionally, printing inks may contain chemicals, including lead and heavy metals that can leach into the food, posing serious health risks over time. Moreover, newspapers are often subjected to various environmental conditions during distribution, making them susceptible to contamination by bacteria, viruses or other pathogens that may transfer to the food, potentially causing foodborne illnesses.  

FSSAI has notified the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, which strictly prohibits the use of newspapers or similar materials for storing and wrapping food. As per this regulation, newspapers should not be used to wrap, cover or serve food nor should they be used to absorb excess oil from fried food.  

Emphasizing the paramount importance of food safety, Rao has urged all food vendors to adopt responsible packaging practices that prioritize the well-being of their customers. He further highlighted that by discouraging the use of newspapers as food packaging materials and promoting safe alternatives, FSSAI reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety of the nation's food supply.  

FSSAI urges consumers, food vendors and stakeholders across the nation to immediately discontinue the use of newspaper as food packaging material and recommends the adoption of safe and approved food packaging materials as well as food-grade containers to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers.  

FSSAI is closely working with State Food Authorities to monitor and enforce regulations to prohibit the use of newspapers for wrapping or packaging food items and also to promote awareness of the same among people at large.