Don’t use newspaper to wrap food, warns FDA

Panaji: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has warned food business operators (FBOs) against using newspapers for wrapping or serving food, especially fried items, and cardboard boxes for delivering cooked or fried foods.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned using newspapers and cardboard boxes for food due to potential health risks.

“Such practices of using newspapers or cardboard boxes are not permitted and hence FBOs/public are advised to stop using the above items to deliver eatables; failing which legal action will be initiated against FBOs,” states the FDA advisory.

The FDA has also said that many FBOs operate without the mandatory registration or license required under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Unlicensed food activity can incur a penalty of up to Rs 10 lakh.

The FDA has instructed all FBOs to secure their registration certificate/licence from the directorate, either through online application or by visiting the FDA office in person.

The FSSAI, in an advisory issued in 2023, had stated that the ink used in newspapers contains various bioactive materials with known negative health effects, which can contaminate food and lead to health issues when ingested. Additionally, it mentioned that printing inks may contain chemicals, including lead and heavy metals, that can leach into the food, posing serious health risks over time.