India, June 17 -- In a citywide crackdown, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) booked 26 food establishments and imposed fines of Rs.1.51 lakh for using newspapers and printed paper to package or serve food. The drive was carried out between June 5 and June 16 across Mumbai.

The action follows directions issued by newly appointed FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, who recently warned food vendors against wrapping snacks such as vada pav in printed paper.

FDA officials inspected 55 food establishments during the campaign and found nearly half of them violating food safety norms by using newspapers for food contact.

According to the regulator, newspaper ink contains chemicals, dyes, lead and other heavy metals that can contaminate food,...