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FSSAI Warning on Food Wrapped in Newspaper: Hot samosa, crispy kachori, sweet jalebi or vada-pav available on the roadside… Lakhs of people in India eat these every day, but along with these delicious things, one such thing is also often served, which hardly anyone pays attention to – newspaper.

This habit that has been going on for years can now take a toll on people’s health. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clearly stated that packing or serving food in newspaper is a violation of rules and action can be taken against those who do so.

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What is the whole matter? Know in 10 points

1- Recently, a famous vada-pav seller in Mumbai was found serving food to customers in newspaper. After this FSSAI and BMC took action, after which this issue again came into limelight.

2- Many types of chemicals, colors and heavy metals are present in the ink used for printing newspapers. These may also include elements like lead, which are extremely harmful for the body.

3- When hot samosas, kachoris or oily items are kept on the newspaper, the chemicals in the ink start dissolving in the food. These chemicals later reach inside the body.

4- Newspaper passes through many hands during printing, transportation and distribution. During this time, dust, soil and bacteria can accumulate on it, which contaminates the food.

5- Food that comes in contact with contaminated newspaper can lead to problems like stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea and food poisoning.

6. According to experts, some elements present in newspaper ink can gradually accumulate in the body and increase the risk of cancer, kidney disease, liver problems and heart diseases.

7- Consuming such food repeatedly can weaken the body’s immunity, which increases the risk of infection.

8- The use of newspaper or any printed paper for storing, wrapping or serving food is prohibited under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Rules, 2018.

9- FSSAI has already made people aware (in 2023) that food wrapped in newspaper is not safe for health. Despite this, this practice continues even today in many places.

10- FSSAI has made it clear that if shopkeepers, street vendors and food business operators are found serving or packing food in newspapers, legal action can be taken against them.

Newspapers are made for reading, not for eating. Next time a shopkeeper gives you samosa or jalebi in newspaper, definitely ask for a replacement. Along with taste, health is equally important. So keep this in mind.