On June 6, 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Western Region issued a directive to food business operators to stop using newspapers for wrapping, packing, storing, covering, or serving food immediately, warning that this practice could pose serious health risks to consumers.
The directive was triggered by a recent incident in Mumbai, in which a popular street food vendor was found to be using newspapers to serve food. By taking joint action, the FSSAI and the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai hope to prevent similar practices throughout the region.
The FSSAI’s Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 bans the use of newspapers for food contact, stating that “newspaper or any such material shall not be used for storing and wrapping of food.” The regulation also states that “[t]he paper used for the manufacture of boxes, carton, plates, cups, and paper lids or paper which are meant to be direct in contact with food shall be of food grade and shall be free from contaminants.”
According to the FSSAI, the printing inks on newspapers contain binders, pigments, chemicals, and heavy metals that make them unsafe for food contact use, such as mineral oil hydrocarbons. These compounds can leach into food and be consumed, which could lead to long-term health effects. There are also hygiene concerns as newspapers pass through many hands and environments, making them vulnerable to dirt, bacteria, and other contamination that puts consumers at risk of food borne illnesses.
The directive applies to street vendors, restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, quick-service restaurants, hawkers, mobile food vendors, and small retailers and food stalls. The FSSAI advises these businesses to shift towards food-grade packaging as outlined in the regulations to protect consumers. They are also urging consumers to avoid eating food that has been wrapped in newspaper.
Reference
Akashvani News (June 6, 2026). “FSSAI directs food business operators to discontinue use of newspapers for food packaging & serving food.”
