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Newspaper Ink Poisons Food: FSSAI Issues Strict Ban
9 Jun
Summary
- Newspaper ink contains heavy metals and chemicals that leach into food.
- Hot, oily foods accelerate chemical migration from newsprint into meals.
- FSSAI mandates food-grade packaging for all food businesses nationwide.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reinforced a ban on using newspapers for food packing, serving, and storage. This decision was prompted by a recent enforcement action against a vada pav vendor in Mumbai. The FSSAI highlighted that newspaper ink contains dangerous chemicals like heavy metals, which can transfer into food, particularly when it's hot, oily, or moist.
Beyond chemical contamination, newspapers can harbor disease-causing microbes due to frequent handling and exposure to unhygienic environments. Experts warn that chronic ingestion of these toxins can lead to serious health issues, including nervous system damage and increased cancer risk. The FSSAI now requires all food businesses, from street vendors to restaurants, to adopt certified food-grade packaging materials to safeguard public health.
