Stop selling samosas and jhal muri in newspapers: Why FSSAI warns against the decades-old food packaging practice

When it comes to street food, the most common practice followed by many vendors is offering food in newspaper. From deep-fried samosa and bread pakoda to jhal muri, a wide range of street foods are offered in newspaper. But this practice will now stop, as the food authority has issued the warning against the use of newspapers for wrapping and serving food. Scroll down to read the details.The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reiterated that newspapers cannot be used for packing, wrapping or serving food items, citing serious health risks associated with printing ink and unhygienic handling. The latest directives issued by FSSAI took note of a recent incident in Mumbai where a popular vada pav vendor was allegedly using newspapers to wrap and serve food. Following the discovery, officials from FSSAI's Western Region and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) carried out a joint inspection and initiated action.FSSAI has directed all food business operators to immediately stop using newspapers or similar printed materials for any food-related purpose. The order applies to street food vendors, restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, quick-service restaurants (QSRs), food stalls, mobile food vendors and small retailers. According to FSSAI, newspaper ink contains several chemicals, pigments, binders and colourants that may pose health risks if they come into contact with food. It has been found by the authority that printing inks can contain lead and other heavy metals, which may leach into food and cause long-term health complications. Also, such newspaper pieces are often exposed to dust, dirt and unsanitary conditions during printing, transportation and distribution, making them potential carriers of harmful pathogens. It has been pointed out that the use of newspapers for storing, wrapping or serving food is already prohibited under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. FSSAI has also clarified that newspapers should not be used even for absorbing excess oil from fried items such as samosas, pakoras and vada pav, nor for covering or storing prepared food. The regulatory authority has urged food businesses to use only approved food-grade packaging materials to ensure consumer safety. It has also appealed to consumers to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing food served in newspapers. 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 for the same among people at large.Images Courtesy: istock