No more vada pavs and pakoras wrapped in newspapers in Mumbai, FSSAI has new rule for street vendors

From pakoras and vada pav to bhel puri and chana garam, street food in India often comes wrapped in newspapers or served in paper cones. For many, it is a familiar part of the street food experience. Sometimes, even old examination papers are used as makeshift plates.

However, a recent directive from food safety authorities could change the way street food is served.

What led to the FSSAI warning?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, West Region (FSSAI-WR), along with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), recently took action after newspaper was found being used to pack and serve food at a popular vada pav outlet.

Following the incident, FSSAI-WR urged food vendors to stop using newspapers for packing, wrapping or serving food. The authority also noted that similar practices may be taking place in other cities and regions.

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During recent inspections in Mumbai, officials visited several food establishments and informed vendors about safer packaging options.

According to reports by News18, vendors found violating the rules were warned and advised to switch to food-grade paper, butter paper and other approved packaging materials.

Why is newspaper packaging considered unsafe?

FSSAI has highlighted several health concerns linked to newspaper packaging.

The food regulator stated, "It is important to note that printing inks contain multiple harmful colours, pigments, binders and chemicals, specifically containing lead and other heavy metals which can leach into food items, leading to serious chronic health issues."

The authority also noted that newspapers pass through many hands during printing, transportation and distribution. As a result, they may carry dirt, bacteria and other contaminants that can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.

What do the rules say?

The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 strictly prohibits the use of newspapers or similar printed materials for storing, wrapping or serving food.

An advisory on the issue had also been issued earlier.

According to FSSAI, the rules apply to street food vendors, restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, quick service restaurants (QSRs), hawkers, petty retailers, mobile food vendors and other food businesses.

Newspapers should not be used to absorb excess oil, cover ingredients, wrap food items or serve food in any form.

Can newspaper-wrapped food affect your health?

In a recent video shared on X, FSSAI explained that while serving food in newspapers may seem harmless, it can expose consumers to harmful chemicals from printing ink.

The authority warned that prolonged exposure to such substances may pose serious health risks, including cancer-causing effects.

What happens next?

This latest directive means that you will soon stop seeing newspapers being used for serving or wrapping street food. Street vendors will have to opt for better and healthier food packaging options.

FSSAI and State Authorities are working closely to monitor and enforce the provisions under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Rules and Regulations made thereunder.

FSSAI is also actively working towards encouraging the use of safe and sustainable packaging in the food and beverage sector.