New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has once again cautioned food businesses, street vendors and consumers against serving, storing or packing food items in newspapers, warning that the practice can pose serious health risks due to contamination from printing inks and other harmful substances.
The food regulator reiterated that newspapers are not food grade materials and should never be used for wrapping, covering or serving edible items. The advisory comes amid continued instances of food being packed in newspapers at eateries, roadside stalls and local markets across the country despite repeated warnings from authorities.
According to FSSAI, newspapers contain printing inks that may include chemicals, pigments, dyes, preservatives and other substances that are not safe for human consumption. When food, particularly hot, oily or moist items, comes into direct contact with newspaper sheets, these chemicals can migrate into the food and eventually enter the human body.
Health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such contaminants may increase the risk of various health complications. Some printing inks contain compounds that could affect the digestive system and may also contain traces of toxic materials. The risk becomes significantly higher when hot snacks, fried foods or freshly cooked items are wrapped in newspapers, as heat and moisture accelerate the transfer of chemicals.
FSSAI officials stressed that the use of newspapers for food packaging violates food safety standards and compromises consumer health. The regulator has directed food business operators to use only approved food grade packaging materials that comply with safety regulations.
The authority noted that newspaper sheets are often handled by multiple individuals during printing, transportation and distribution, increasing the possibility of microbial contamination. Dust, dirt and other environmental pollutants can also accumulate on the paper surface, further raising food safety concerns.
Consumer awareness groups have welcomed the renewed advisory, saying many people remain unaware of the dangers associated with newspaper wrapped food. Experts have urged consumers to avoid purchasing food packed in newspapers and to encourage vendors to switch to safer alternatives such as food grade paper, biodegradable packaging or certified containers.
The advisory is particularly relevant for street food vendors, sweet shops and small eateries where the practice remains common. FSSAI has emphasised that ensuring food safety is a shared responsibility involving businesses, regulators and consumers.
With food borne illnesses and contamination risks remaining a public health concern, the regulator’s latest warning serves as a reminder that even seemingly harmless packaging practices can have long term health consequences if proper safety standards are ignored.