FSSAI asks food vendors, consumers not to use newspapers for food packaging

Food regulator FSSAI has asked food vendors and consumers to immediately stop using newspapers for packing serving and storage of food items citing significant health risksFood Safety and Standards Authority of India FSSAI is closely working with state food authorities to monitor and enforce regulations in this regardFSSAI Chief Executive Officer CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao has strongly urged consumers and food vendors across the country to immediately stop using newspapers for packing serving and storing food itemsHe expressed concern over the use of newspapers for wrapping or packaging food and also pointed out significant health risks associated with this practiceThe ink used in newspapers contains various bioactive materials with known negative health effects which can contaminate food and lead to health issues when ingested FSSAI cautioned on WednesdayAdditionally printing inks may contain chemicals including lead and heavy metals that can leach into the food posing serious health risks over time the regulator saidMoreover newspapers are often subjected to various environmental conditions during distribution making them susceptible to contamination by bacteria viruses or other pathogens that may transfer to the food potentially causing foodborne illnesses FSSAI saidFSSAI has notified the Food Safety and Standards Packaging Regulations 2018 which strictly prohibits the use of newspapers or similar materials for storing and wrapping foodAs per this regulation newspapers should neither be used to wrap cover or serve food nor be used to absorb excess oil from fried foodEmphasising the paramount importance of food safety Rao urged all food vendors to adopt responsible packaging practices that prioritise the wellbeing of their customersHe further highlighted that by discouraging the use of newspapers as food packaging materials and promoting safe alternatives FSSAI reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety of the nations food supplyFSSAI urged consumers food vendors and stakeholders across the nation to immediately discontinue the use of newspapers as food packaging material and recommended the adoption of safe and approved food packaging materials as well as foodgrade containers to ensure the safety and wellbeing of consumersThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever