Insta
Representative image. (Indranil Bhoumik/Mint via Getty Images)
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.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest