Buying hot pakoras, samosas, vada pav, or other snacks wrapped in old newspapers may soon become a thing of the past. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its crackdown on the practice of packaging and serving food in newspapers and printed papers, citing serious health concerns.

The food regulator has warned that food business operators found using newspapers for packaging food items may face action under food safety regulations. The move comes amid growing concerns over the harmful effects of chemicals present in newspaper ink.

Mumbai Incident Triggers Fresh Enforcement Drive

The issue recently came into focus after a vada pav vendor in Mumbai was reportedly found serving food wrapped in newspapers. Following the incident, the FSSAI and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) carried out joint inspections and enforcement activities.

Taking the matter seriously, FSSAI’s western regional office has issued a fresh advisory to food vendors, reminding them that newspapers are not safe or suitable for food packaging under any circumstances.

Why Is Food Wrapped in Newspapers Dangerous?

Health experts and food safety authorities have repeatedly warned against the use of newspapers for packing food, especially hot and oily items.

Toxic Chemicals in Newspaper Ink

The ink used in newspapers contains various chemical substances, including solvents, pigments, and heavy metals. These chemicals are not meant for direct contact with food and can pose health risks if consumed.

Hot and Oily Foods Absorb Chemicals Easily

Street foods such as samosas, pakoras, bhajis, and other fried snacks are often served hot. The heat and oil can cause harmful chemicals from the newspaper ink to migrate into the food, increasing the risk of contamination.

Long-Term Health Risks

According to health experts, prolonged consumption of food contaminated by printing ink and chemicals may increase the risk of serious illnesses, including certain forms of cancer and other health complications.

Children, Pregnant Women Most Vulnerable

Medical professionals warn that children, pregnant women, and elderly people are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of chemical contamination because of their comparatively weaker immunity and greater sensitivity to toxins.

Dr. Suryaprakash Choudhury stated that regularly consuming food wrapped in newspapers or printed paper can pose significant health hazards and may contribute to long-term health problems.

FSSAI Recommends Safe Alternatives

To ensure food safety, FSSAI has directed vendors and food establishments to immediately stop using newspapers and instead adopt food-grade packaging materials.

Recommended alternatives include:

• Butter paper
• Food-grade wrapping sheets
• Certified paper bags
• Food-grade containers and packaging materials

These materials are specifically designed for food contact and do not contain harmful chemicals that can contaminate food.

Consumers Urged to Stay Alert

Food safety experts emphasize that ensuring safe food practices is not solely the responsibility of regulators but also of consumers and vendors.

Authorities have urged citizens to object if they find food being served or packed in newspapers and to encourage vendors to adopt safer packaging methods. Consumers are advised to be especially cautious when purchasing hot and oily foods from roadside stalls and local eateries.

More Inspections Expected in Coming Days

Sources indicate that food safety authorities are likely to intensify inspections and enforcement drives in the coming weeks to ensure compliance with packaging regulations.

With food safety becoming an increasing public health priority, regulators hope that stricter enforcement and greater public awareness will help eliminate the widespread practice of serving food in newspapers and printed paper.

The post FSSAI Cracks Down on Food Packed in Newspapers; Violators May Face Penalties appeared first on Odisha Connect.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a concerning report on global food safety, warning that unsafe and contaminated food has become a major public health crisis, claiming nearly 1.4 million lives every year.

The report highlights that contaminated food is not only responsible for widespread illness and death but is also causing significant economic losses across the world. WHO described food safety as one of the most pressing health challenges of the modern era.

Millions Fall Ill Due to Contaminated Food

The report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data collected from 194 countries between 2000 and 2021. According to the findings, nearly 886 million people worldwide suffer from illnesses caused by unsafe food every year.

The figures underscore the urgent need for stronger food safety standards and improved monitoring systems across countries to reduce the burden of foodborne diseases.

Young Children Face the Highest Risk

One of the most alarming findings of the report is the disproportionate impact of contaminated food on children.

According to WHO, children under the age of five are nearly three times more likely to fall ill from foodborne diseases than other age groups. Their weaker immune systems make them more vulnerable to infections caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

In many cases, these illnesses can become severe and even fatal.

Africa and Southeast Asia Most Affected

The report reveals that the food safety crisis is not evenly distributed around the world. Africa and Southeast Asia remain the worst-affected regions, accounting for approximately 75 percent of global foodborne disease cases and nearly 60 percent of related deaths.

Poor sanitation, inadequate food storage facilities, and limited access to safe food handling practices have been identified as major contributing factors in these regions.

Biological and Chemical Contaminants Driving Illness

Researchers found that most foodborne diseases are caused by biological contaminants such as bacteria and viruses. However, chemical contaminants are also emerging as a significant concern.

The report notes that harmful substances such as arsenic and lead in food are contributing to a growing number of serious illnesses and deaths worldwide.

Climate Change and Antibiotic Resistance Worsening the Situation

Health experts have warned that climate change is making food contamination risks even more severe. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are creating conditions that allow harmful microorganisms to spread more easily through food supplies.

In addition, increasing antibiotic resistance has become a major challenge, making foodborne infections more difficult to treat than in the past.

Massive Economic Losses Linked to Foodborne Diseases

Beyond its impact on public health, unsafe food is placing a heavy burden on the global economy.

According to the report, foodborne diseases caused economic losses of approximately $647 billion worldwide in 2021 alone, due to healthcare costs, productivity losses, and other associated impacts.

Safe Food Is a Fundamental Right: WHO Chief

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that access to safe food is a fundamental right for everyone.

He called on governments across the world to take stronger measures to improve food safety systems, strengthen regulations, and ensure that safe, nutritious food reaches every community.

The WHO emphasized that coordinated global action is essential to address the growing food safety crisis and protect millions of lives from preventable illnesses.

The post WHO Warns Unsafe Food Has Become a Global Health Crisis, Causing 1.4 Million Deaths Annually appeared first on Odisha Connect.