Food wrapped in newspapers harmful, DFCO warns

‘Hot food items packed in newspapers are contaminated with newsprint colors’ 

 
Waking up from deep slumber, the Drug and Food Control Organization (DFCO) on Thursday warned people against taking food wrapped in newspapers, saying it could be hazardous for their health.
This is apparently for the first time that the Organization—mandated with enforcing food safety regulations—has come out with such an appeal amid reports that it is ignoring food safety norms in broad daylight.
On Thursday, an advisory issued by the DFCO warned of strict action under Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 against people found selling food items in newspapers.
“Hot food items packed in newspapers contaminate these with newsprint colors seeping in,” the advisory reads, warning of “serious health implications due to consumption of newsprint ink.”
DrShahnawaz Mir, an endocrinologist at SMHS hospital here, said: “We definitely need to watch what we are consuming, but are our organizations and labs in a position to ensure safety of our food items?”
He expressed concern over what he called “our collective lethargy and complacence” to food safety.
“People as well as authorities need to be aware of what they are being served. Are we watching what our kids are eating at schools or outside?” he asked, urging that a body needs to be formulated to “examine the food practices prevalent in schools.”
DrAltaf-ur-Ramzan, Head of Neurology department at SKIMS said: “A lot of our food is packed and stored in polythene. And when the same food is cooked, it causes a huge health risk.”
He said plastic bottles, polythene bags and other hydrocarbon-based items release hydrocarbons at high temperatures “and these particles have been linked with various cancers.”
Explaining further, he said, “Formaldehyde, another known carcinogen, is widely present at low-levels in plastic bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate.”
“It is quite common for us to have ‘kehwa’ and tea in a disposable plastic glass or have hot popcorn in a polythene bag. Many of these are not even food grade items. What are the implications of these? Is anyone watching this?” he said.
Newsprint ink has also been linked to many cancers. It comes under a class of organic chemicals called arylamines, which are associated with high risks of bladder and lung cancers.
Assistant Food Commissioner, Food Safety, said the fresh step has been taken to spread awareness about hazardous chemicals that can be present in our foods. “We do such initiatives from time to time in spite our small staff size. This is a warning. It will be followed up by action,” he said.