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“FSSAI Alerts Against Newspaper Use for Food Due to Ink’s Health Risks”

The Entrepreneur Bytes Team September 30, 2023 59

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a warning against using newspapers for wrapping, serving, and storing food, citing health risks associated with the ink’s chemicals. The FSSAI is reinforcing its commitment to food safety by promoting safer alternatives.

FSSAI Urges Against Using Newspapers for Food Packing and Serving Due to Health Risks

In a recent announcement, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken a stern stance on a common practice in India – using newspapers for packing, storing, and serving food items. The FSSAI has urgently advised both food vendors and consumers to immediately discontinue this practice, citing concerns over the chemicals present in printing ink, which could pose health risks.

G Kamala Vardhana Rao, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FSSAI, emphasized the need to cease using newspapers for such purposes across the country. Rao “strongly urged consumers and food vendors across the country to immediately stop using newspapers for packing, serving, and storing food items,” as reported by PTI.

The health risks associated with this practice were highlighted by Rao, who pointed out that the ink used in newspapers contains “various bioactive materials” that can be detrimental to health. “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,” cautioned Mr. Rao.

Furthermore, the report underscores that the ink may contain chemicals such as lead and heavy metals, which can find their way into the human body through the food that is served or wrapped in newspaper. Additionally, newspapers are often exposed to various environmental conditions during distribution, rendering them susceptible to contamination by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens that could be transferred to the food. This contamination could potentially result in foodborne illnesses, warned FSSAI.

To address these concerns and promote food safety, the food regulatory body has cited the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations of 2018, which explicitly prohibit the use of newspapers or similar materials for storing, packing, or wrapping food. Both consumers and vendors are advised to steer clear of using newspapers for covering or serving edible items. Newspapers should also not be used to absorb excess oil from fried foods like samosas or pakodas.

In its ongoing efforts to ensure food safety, FSSAI is working closely with state food authorities to ensure compliance with this directive. G Kamala Vardhana Rao reiterated that by discouraging the use of newspapers and encouraging the adoption of safer alternatives, FSSAI is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the safety of food throughout the country.

The FSSAI’s advisory serves as a reminder to all stakeholders in the food industry to prioritize safety and hygiene when handling and serving food, thus safeguarding the health and well-being of consumers.

Sources By Agencies