FSSAI tightens rules on newspaper food wrapping

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has renewed its warning against the use of newspapers for wrapping, packing, or serving food, citing serious health risks from chemical and bacterial contamination. The fresh enforcement drive follows a recent inspection in Mumbai, where a vada pav vendor was found using newspapers for food packaging, prompting action by food safety authorities and civic officials.

FSSAI clarified that the directive is not a new regulation but a reinforcement of provisions already laid down under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, which prohibit the use of newspapers in direct contact with food.

According to the authority, newspaper ink may contain harmful substances such as lead and other heavy metals that can migrate into food, particularly hot, oily, or moist items. In addition, newspapers are often exposed to unhygienic conditions during printing, transportation, and circulation, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination.

Food safety officials have intensified inspections across Telangana, including Hyderabad, in coordination with local civic bodies. Vendors, restaurants, cloud kitchens, and quick-service outlets have been instructed to switch to approved food-grade packaging materials. Authorities warned that repeated violations could attract penalties, including suspension or cancellation of licenses.

FSSAI has also urged consumers to avoid accepting food wrapped in newspapers and report violations through official channels.