2018 was all about FSSAI building up strict regulations to improve the food safety in India. Well, it looks like they are only going to get stricter and stronger in 2019 In a recent update: The Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all Food Business Operator (FBO) not to wrap food products using recycled plastics, newspaper and paper sheets.

1. January 9,
2019
FSSAI Update: Newspaper & Recycled Plastic for Food
Packaging, Banned
limetray.com/blog/fssai-food-packaging-update
2018 was all about FSSAI building up strict regulations to improve the food safety in
India.
Well, it looks like they are only going to get stricter and stronger in 2019
In a recent update:
The Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all Food Business
Operator (FBO) not to wrap food products using recycled plastics, newspaper and
paper sheets.
Evolution of Food Packaging for Better Health
Packaging is essential and critical for promoting food safety. This is why FSSAI has made
certain important regulations for every food business to comply with. Here are the
important highlights:
• The regulations prohibit packaging material made of recycled plastics including carry-
bags for packaging, storing, carrying or dispensing food.
• Considering that the inks and dyes may lead to the formation of Cancer, the norms also
prohibit the use of newspaper and such other materials for packing or wrapping of
food.
• The new regulations also prescribe overall migration and specific migration limits of
contaminants for plastic packaging materials.
• It specifies the suggestive list of packaging materials to be used for different food
product categories.
“Stakeholder’s consultation and mass awareness building among consumers and food
businesses would precede implementation of the new packaging regulations.”
– Pawan Agarwal, CEO – FSSAI
Separate Regulations for Packaging and Labelling
Considering the importance of packaging in the food sector and its impact on food
safety, FSSAI has separated the packaging regulations from the labelling regulations and
a separate scientific panel for food packaging has been planned.
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2. Also read: FSSAI Update: Warnings Of “Rigorous” Inspections And New Regulations In
2019
A Result of Two Studies Conducted by FSSAI
The studies were done in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP),
Mumbai and the National Test House (NTH), Kolkata.
They were focused on checking the presence of chemical contamination and heavy
metals in food.
Key Outcomes to Remember
FSSAI has amended provisions in respect to packing requirements.
New rules will come into effect after July 1, 2019.
They bar the use of recycled plastic and newspaper for wrapping any food article.
“The new packaging regulations would raise the bar of food safety in India to the next
level.”
– Pawan Agarwal, CEO – FSSAI
We will keep sharing all the latest updates on this front. Meanwhile, here are some more
resources and updates on FSSAI regulations:
10,000 Restaurants Delisted: The Latest From The FSSAI Crackdown
The Complete Guide to Getting an FSSAI License for Your Restaurant
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This article has been compiled from:
FSSAI press release
The Quint
Live Mint
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