The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has once again reminded food businesses not to use newspapers for wrapping, serving, storing, or packaging food products. The advisory follows a recent enforcement action in Mumbai and highlights the health risks associated with newspaper packaging.
The authority has urged Food Business Operators (FBOs) to adopt only approved food grade packaging materials and comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018.
Why Does FSSAI Prohibit Newspaper Packaging?
FSSAI does not recognize newspapers as food contact materials. Printing inks contain chemicals, pigments, colourants, binders, and heavy metals that can transfer to food. This risk increases when food is hot, oily, or moist.
Consequently, consumers may unknowingly ingest these contaminants through direct contact with newspaper packaging. Over time, such exposure can affect health and compromise food safety.
In addition, newspapers often come into contact with dust, dirt, and unhygienic surfaces during printing, transportation, and distribution. As a result, they may introduce harmful microorganisms into food products.
Who Must Follow This Requirement?
The requirement applies to all Food Business Operators, including street food vendors, restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), food stalls, mobile food vendors, and small retailers.
Whether a business operates on a small scale or a large scale, it must ensure that newspapers do not come into direct contact with food at any stage of handling or service.
Important Clarification from FSSAI
Many food vendors use newspapers to absorb excess oil from fried foods. However, FSSAI has clearly stated that this practice is not acceptable.
Moreover, businesses must not use newspapers for:
• Wrapping food
• Serving food
• Storing food
• Covering food items
• Absorbing excess oil from fried products
Therefore, the restriction applies regardless of whether the newspaper touches the food for a short period or an extended duration.
Existing Regulatory Requirement
Importantly, the prohibition on newspaper packaging is not a new requirement. The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 already prohibit the use of newspapers and similar printed materials for food packaging.
Therefore, FSSAI’s recent action serves as a reminder that all food businesses must comply with these existing provisions and maintain safe packaging practices.
Suitable Alternatives for Food Businesses
Instead, food businesses should switch to approved food grade materials that protect food from contamination.
Suitable options include:
• Food grade paper
• Butter paper
• Food grade wrapping sheets
• Approved paper based packaging materials
• Other FSSAI compliant food contact materials
Besides improving food safety, these materials help businesses maintain regulatory compliance and strengthen consumer confidence.
Key Takeaway
Overall, FSSAI has reinforced its position on newspaper packaging and urged food businesses to follow approved packaging practices. Food Business Operators should review their packaging methods and eliminate the use of newspapers from all food handling activities.
Ultimately, compliance with food packaging regulations not only prevents contamination but also supports safer food for consumers.
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