FDA books 26 eateries for serving food in newspaper

FDA Seizes 26 Food Outlets for Using Newspapers in Packaging

FDA books 26 eateries for serving – Over a two-week period in June, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a citywide inspection campaign, resulting in the closure of 26 food businesses and fines totaling ₹1.51 lakh for serving or packaging food with printed paper. The operation, which took place from June 5 to June 16, targeted establishments across Mumbai.

Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, newly appointed to the FDA, had issued guidelines earlier this month, cautioning vendors against using newspapers for wrapping snacks like vada pav. The directive emphasized the risks posed by printed materials to food safety, particularly for items that are hot or oily.

During the inspections, FDA officials examined 55 food outlets and identified nearly half as non-compliant with hygiene standards. The regulator explained that newspaper inks contain harmful substances such as chemicals, dyes, and heavy metals, which can leach into food and compromise its safety. Additionally, newspapers are prone to harboring bacteria due to their frequent handling and storage conditions.

Food Safety Authority’s Stance

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has already classified the use of newspapers for food packaging as a prohibited practice. The FDA reiterated this ruling, calling on operators to adopt safer alternatives for their packaging needs.

“Newspaper ink includes chemicals, dyes, lead, and heavy metals which can contaminate food, especially items with high oil or heat content.” — FDA statement

Notable Violations

In Mulund West, an unlicensed dairy was found to be using expired products from renowned brands. The owner now faces legal consequences for the breach. Meanwhile, in Andheri West, FDA officers uncovered a tea adulteration operation where tea powder was reportedly mixed with color and water before being sold. Approximately 900 kg of tea powder and 17 kg of coloring material, valued at ₹2.19 lakh, were seized and sealed. A criminal case has been filed at the D.N. Nagar police station.