FSSAI Ban: Stop Serving Food in Newspapers or Face Strict Penalties

New Delhi: India's food safety body FSSAI has put street food vendors on notice. The warning targets shops selling samosas, kachoris, and other snacks.
The message is simple; stop wrapping food in newspaper or face the law.

What is the warning?

FSSAI took to X to spell this out. Newspaper ink carries lead and heavy metals. It also contains other harmful chemicals. Hot and oily food pulls this ink out fast. The chemicals then go straight into the body of whoever eats it. It may cause severe health problems related to skin, blood and digestion.

What is the new rule?

This is not a new rule. Food Packaging Rules 2018 already bans newspaper for storing, wrapping, or serving food. But vendors across the country have largely ignored it.

What triggered the fresh warning?

That changed recently. A vendor in Mumbai was caught serving vada pav wrapped in newspaper. The incident pushed FSSAI to issue a fresh and firm warning. FSSAI noted it and make the law to prevent severe stomach and health related problems.

What will the penalties?

The penalties are stiff. A vendor caught using newspaper can land in jail for up to six months. The fine can go up to five lakh rupees. Both punishments can apply together. The penalties had been imposed to execute this rule strictly.

Why vendors still use it?

Old newspaper is dirt cheap and available everywhere in India. That is why local vendors have used it for decades. But it is not safe for the human health and unhygienic as well.
When hot food sits on printed paper, the ink does not stay put. It bleeds. It soaks in. And it ends up inside the person eating that samosa or kachori.
FSSAI wants customers to stay alert too. If a vendor serves your food wrapped in newspaper; refuse it.