Hyderabad: Unconsciously, we eat food that has been delivered to our houses in newspaper packaging. Food is frequently packed and then consumed, particularly Indian delicacies like hot samosas or jalebis. However, have you ever thought about the possible health hazards connected to this kind of behavior?
Even though it is a prevalent practice in Indian homes, the regulatory bodies have banned the use of newspapers for food packaging, storage, and even consumption due to the possible health hazards.
Newspaper ink contains a variety of bioactive substances that are known to have harmful health effects. These substances can contaminate food and cause health problems if consumed. According to a recent announcement from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), printing inks may also contain toxins like lead and heavy metals that can eventually seep into food and pose major health dangers.
Furthermore, newspapers are frequently exposed to a variety of environmental factors while being distributed, which leaves them open to contamination by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens that could spread to the food and result in food-borne illnesses, according to the FSSAI.
The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 have been notified by the FSSAI, and they firmly forbid the use of newspapers or comparable materials for food storage and wrapping.
Newspapers are prohibited under this rule from being used to wrap, cover, or serve food, as well as to absorb extra oil from fried food. People and food businesses that engage in this activity have been advised by the FSSA authorities to look into and, if feasible, promote safer alternatives.
Customers, food vendors, and other stakeholders have been advised by the food regulating body to try their best to break the newspaper-using practice. “To guarantee the safety and well-being of consumers, such establishments should explore adoption of suggested safe packing materials and food-grade containers instead of newspapers,” the FSSAI stated.
Additionally, the regulatory bodies have sent letters to the state governments, requesting that they raise awareness among vendors and stop the practice of packing food in newspapers.
-NSH Digidesk
