The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Mumbai has intensified its crackdown on food vendors found using newspapers for packaging food items, resulting in penalties for multiple establishments. The move aims to safeguard public health by preventing the migration of harmful chemicals from printing ink and mitigating the risk of microbial contamination.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, a special inspection drive conducted between June 5 and June 16, 2026, across the Brihanmumbai division of the FDA saw 55 food establishments inspected. Out of these, 26 were found to be in violation of food safety regulations by using newspapers for packaging food. These establishments have been booked under the Food Safety and Standards Act. As of June 16, 2026, 17 of these cases have been settled with a total compounding fine of Rs 1,51,000 collected from the food business operators. Legal proceedings are ongoing for the remaining cases.
FDA officials have emphasized that the use of newspapers for food packaging poses significant health hazards. The printing ink used in newspapers contains toxic dyes, chemicals, lead, and other heavy metals, which can leach into food, especially when hot or oily items are wrapped. Long-term exposure to these contaminants can lead to serious health complications. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has previously issued advisories and regulations, including the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, which strictly prohibit the use of newspapers and similar printed materials for storing, wrapping, serving, or covering food products.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that highlights the risks associated with newspaper packaging. Printing inks often contain a complex mixture of solvents, pigments, binders, and additives. Heavy metals such as lead, chromium, and cadmium, along with phthalates, mineral oils, and synthetic dyes, can be present in these inks. Chronic exposure to heavy metals like lead can lead to systemic toxicity, affecting the nervous system and kidney function, and potentially contributing to cognitive impairment, particularly in children. Furthermore, some solvents and dyes used in printing inks are considered potential carcinogens or endocrine disruptors.
Beyond chemical contamination, newspapers also present a microbiological risk. They undergo numerous stages of handling and distribution, exposing them to dust, environmental pollutants, and unhygienic conditions. This makes them potential carriers of disease-causing microorganisms. The journey from the printing press to the vendor’s stall involves multiple touchpoints, increasing the risk of surface contamination.
The FDA’s campaign was carried out under the guidance of Joint Commissioner (Food) Mahesh Chaudhary and Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. Officials have strictly directed all food business operators to immediately cease the use of newspapers for food packaging and to adhere strictly to food safety standards. Food vendors have been advised to switch to approved food-grade packaging materials. Consumers have also been encouraged to be vigilant and avoid purchasing food items that are packaged or served in newspapers. This enforcement action underscores the authorities’ commitment to ensuring food safety across the city.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort by regulatory bodies to curb unsafe food handling practices. The FSSAI has consistently advocated for the use of safe, food-grade packaging materials to protect consumer health. The directives apply to all food business operators, including street food vendors, restaurants, caterers, cloud kitchens, and hawkers. The regulatory body has urged food businesses to adopt only approved food-grade packaging solutions to guarantee consumer safety.
The issue of using newspapers for food packaging has been a recurring concern, with advisories issued by the FSSAI as early as 2016. Despite these directives, the practice persisted in many areas, prompting renewed enforcement actions. The recent inspections and penalties in Mumbai aim to create greater awareness and ensure compliance with established food safety norms. The FDA’s proactive stance in penalizing non-compliant vendors sends a strong message about the seriousness of food safety regulations.
The authorities have also highlighted that newspapers should not be used for absorbing excess oil from fried foods, nor for covering or storing prepared food items. The emphasis remains on adopting universally recognized food-grade packaging materials that do not pose any health risks to consumers. This consistent enforcement and public awareness campaign by the FDA and FSSAI are crucial steps towards maintaining a safe and healthy food environment for the public.
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