FSSAI Bans Newspaper Food Wrapping, Warns of Serious Health Risks

New Delhi, June 6: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all food business operators across the country to immediately stop using newspapers for packing, wrapping, or serving food, citing significant health hazards associated with the practice. The advisory comes in the wake of a recent incident in Mumbai where a popular vada pav vendor was found serving food wrapped in newspapers. The violation prompted a joint inspection and enforcement action by FSSAI’s Western Region office and the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). According to FSSAI, newspapers are not safe for direct food contact as the printing inks used in them contain harmful chemicals, pigments, binders, and heavy metals such as lead. These substances can migrate into food items, posing serious health risks to consumers. The authority further warned that newspapers often pass through unhygienic environments during printing, transportation, and handling, making them potential carriers of bacteria and disease-causing pathogens. The food safety regulator reiterated that the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, strictly prohibit the use of newspapers and other printed materials for storing, wrapping, serving, or packaging food. The restriction applies to all food business operators, including street food vendors, restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, quick-service restaurants, hawkers, mobile food vendors, and small retail establishments. FSSAI also clarified that newspapers must not be used to absorb excess oil from fried foods or to cover food ingredients during preparation and storage. Urging businesses to adopt approved food-grade packaging materials, the authority emphasized the need to maintain hygiene standards and safeguard consumer health. Officials stated that the advisory has been reissued to prevent recurring violations and encourage safer food handling practices nationwide. FSSAI said it is working closely with state authorities to strengthen enforcement under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, while also promoting safe and sustainable packaging alternatives within the food and beverage sector. Consumers have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid accepting food that is served or wrapped in newspapers, as part of broader efforts to ensure food safety and public health.