Hygiene In, Newspapers Out: FSSAI Releases New Food Packaging Norms, Will Come Into Effect From 1 July
India’s apex food regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has notified new norms that will prohibit the use of newspapers or recycled plastic for packaging of food products, reports The Hindu Business Line.
“Products made of recycled plastics (newspapers), including carry bags, shall not be used for packaging, storing, carrying or dispensing articles of food,” said the government release.
The new regulations, that will come into force on 1 July 2019, take note of the carcinogenic effects of dyes and inks on food articles. They also specify standards for materials that will be used for packaging different food products.
“The new packaging regulation would raise the bar of food safety in India to the next level,” said Pawan Agarwal, CEO, FSSAI.
“Thus, sufficient lead time has been given before the regulations come into force. Consultation with stakeholders and mass awareness building amongst consumers and food businesses will precede implementation of the new packaging regulations,” added Mr Agarwal.
Survey Results
According to FSSAI’s national survey, over 80 per cent of food samples packed in coloured carry bags, 59 per cent in black carry bags and over 24 per cent in aluminium coated disposable containers and 21 per cent in sweet boxes were found to contain chemicals beyond permissible levels.