New Delhi, December 9: Expressing concern over the practice of wrapping, covering or processing foods with newspaper and printed recycled paper materials in India, Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare had earlier directed The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to issue an advisory restricting the use of newspapers as food packaging material.
“It has been observed that vendors have been using newspapers in packing and serving food, which is harmful. I urge the public to dissuade the vendors from using newspapers in packing and serving food and not to themselves use too. We have also issued an advisory to this effect to the state agencies and dissuade vendors from using newspapers in packing/serving food,” Shri J P Nadda stated.
“The fact that the newspapers are printed with ink that can be absorbed in the food is well known. The newspaper ink contains many hazardous chemicals which can trigger serious health problems,” Shri Nadda said. The Health Minister further stated that there is a need to improve awareness among small businesses, particularly unorganized sector, and provide clear guidance. “This should be backed up by systematic monitoring and enforcement by authorities,” Shri Nadda added.
According to the advisory, the Commissioners of Food Safety of all States and Union Territories will initiate systematic campaigns for generating awareness among all the stakeholders to discourage the use of newspapers for packing, serving and storing food items.
