SRINAGAR: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed food vendors to immediately stop using newspapers for packing, wrapping or serving food, reiterating that the practice poses serious health risks and violates food safety regulations.
भारतीय खाद्य सुरक्षा एवं मानक प्राधिकरण (#FSSAI) पश्चिमी क्षेत्र ने सभी खाद्य व्यवसाय संचालकों को खाद्य पदार्थों की पैकिंग या परोसने के लिए समाचार पत्रों के पेपर का उपयोग तत्काल बंद करने का निर्देश दिया है। प्राधिकरण का मानना है इससे स्वास्थ्य को गंभीर खतरा है।
प्राधिकरण ने… pic.twitter.com/iIkB0OKa4I
— आकाशवाणी समाचार (@AIRNewsHindi) June 6, 2026
The warning was issued by FSSAI’s West Region office following a recent incident in Mumbai in which a well-known vada pav vendor was found using newspapers to serve and package food. A joint action was subsequently carried out by FSSAI and the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM).
Citing concerns that similar practices may be prevalent across the region, FSSAI urged all food business operators to use only approved food-grade packaging materials and discontinue the use of newspapers or any other non-compliant materials that come into direct contact with food.
The authority noted that printing inks used in newspapers contain harmful substances, including pigments, chemicals, lead and other heavy metals, which can leach into food and pose long-term health risks. It also warned that newspapers are often exposed to unhygienic conditions during circulation and handling, making them potential carriers of disease-causing pathogens.
FSSAI said the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, explicitly prohibit the use of newspapers and similar materials for storing, wrapping or serving food. The restriction applies to all food business operators, including street vendors, restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, quick-service restaurants, mobile food vendors, hawkers and petty retailers.
The regulator clarified that newspapers must not be used for absorbing excess oil, covering ingredients, wrapping food items or any other food-contact purpose during processing, storage or sale.
FSSAI also urged consumers to remain vigilant and report unsafe food-handling practices. The authority said it is working closely with state agencies to enforce provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.
The food regulator added that it is promoting the adoption of safe and sustainable packaging across the food and beverage sector as part of broader efforts to strengthen food safety standards and consumer awareness nationwide.
