This is due to the presence of chemicals in the ink that can pose serious health risks
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a warning to both food vendors and the general public against using newspapers to wrap, store, pack or serve food items. This is due to the presence of chemicals in the ink that can pose serious health risks. G Kamala Vardhana Rao, FSSAI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) stressed that the bioactive material in the ink can contaminate food and lead to serious health issues if ingested. The chemicals and heavy metals present in the ink can also enter the body through food, causing health problems. Additionally, newspapers are susceptible to contamination by viruses, bacteria and pathogens due to various environmental conditions during distribution.
As per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, the use of newspapers and other materials to wrap, store and pack food is prohibited, and vendors and consumers are advised to use safer alternatives. FSSAI is working closely with the authorities to ensure that no one uses newspapers to wrap or serve food. G Kamala Vardhana Rao recommends using safer alternatives to ensure the safety of food supplies.