The FSSAI imposes restrictions on using newspapers to pack foods

New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) passed a rule which restricts the use of newspapers and cardboard boxes as food packing materials, including snacks.

There are chances of the food getting contaminated from the printing ink it has or other cancer-causing chemicals that it has got.

"Newspaper should not be used to wrap, cover and serve food or to absorb excess oil from fried food. There is an urgent need to discourage use of newspapers as packaging material by creating awareness among businesses, especially unorganised food business operators, and consumers on its harmful effects," the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India advisory said in a statement.

Food safety commissioners of all the states were sent this advisory, they were asked to take appropriate steps in order to control the usage of newspapers for packing foods.

"I request the public to dissuade vendors from using newspapers," health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda stated in a tweet after the issuing of FSSAI advisory.

The follow-up of this advisory will be an active campaign along with inspection of all local food outlets to be carried out by the food inspectors.

It was highlighted that the ink used in newspapers comprises multiple bio-active materials which can lead to various health problems.

There are chances of presence of pathogenic microbes in used newspapers which can cause health-related ailments.

It's also found that old people and kids are more prone to the health hazards and cancer because of weaker immune system.