Bhubaneswar, June 8 -- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Saturday has directed all food business operators to immediately stop using newspapers for packing, wrapping or serving food items, citing potential health hazards associated with the practice.

The advisory came after a vada pav vendor was found using newspapers to pack food. Following the incident, the FSSAI and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) jointly initiated action against the vendor and intensified awareness efforts regarding safe food packaging practices.

According to the food safety regulator, newspaper ink contains harmful substances, including lead, heavy metals and chemical pigments, which can migrate into food upon direct contact. ...