Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has urged consumers and food vendors to stop using newspapers for packing, serving, and storing food due to health hazards.
Issues with using Newspaper for handling food:
| Issue | Description |
| Ink Contamination | Newspapers contain ink with bioactive materials that can contaminate food and pose health risks. |
| Recycled paper boxes can also have contaminants like mineral oils and chemicals, potentially causing digestive problems and toxicity | |
| Chemical Leaching | Printing inks may contain chemicals, including lead and heavy metals, which can leach into food. |
| Susceptible to Contamination | Newspapers are exposed to various environmental conditions during distribution, making them susceptible to bacterial or viral contamination. |
| Potential Foodborne Illness | Contaminants from newspapers can lead to foodborne illnesses when ingested. |
| Absorbs Excess Oil | Newspapers should not be used to absorb excess oil from fried food as per regulations. |
| Vulnerable Groups | Vulnerable groups, like the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, are at greater risk of cancer-related health issues from food packed in such materials. |
| Violation of Regulations | According to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, the use of newspapers or similar materials for storing and wrapping food is strictly prohibited. |
About FSSAI:
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (est. 2008; HQ: New Delhi) is an autonomous statutory body (under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006) established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
