If you've ever eaten a samosa, pakora, or vada pav served in a newspaper, India's food safety regulator or FSSAI wants you to think twice.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has renewed its warning against using newspapers to wrap, serve, or store food, saying the practice exposes consumers to harmful chemicals and contaminants. The advisory comes after authorities took action against a popular vada pav vendor in Mumbai who was allegedly using newspapers for food packaging.
What Prompted the Fresh Warning?
The latest advisory follows a joint inspection by FSSAI's Western Region and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) after a well-known Mumbai vada pav outlet was found allegedly serving food wrapped in newspapers. Authorities subsequently urged food businesses across the region to stop the practice. Officials fear similar practices may be common among street food vendors, small eateries, and food outlets.
Why Does FSSAI Say Newspaper-Wrapped Food Is Unsafe?
In a social media post, FSSAI explained the health risks associated with newspaper packaging. "Serving or wrapping fried food in newspapers might seem harmless, but it carries serious health risks."
"Newspaper printing ink contains toxic chemicals & heavy metals like lead. When hot or greasy food comes into contact with the print, these toxins leach directly into the meal."
