CHENNAI: Chennai district collector R Seethalakshmi on Wednesday warned of action against vendors who store, distribute and sell food packed in printed newspaper, plastic bags and sheets sealed with stapler pins.
The sale of food packed in printed newspapers or any inked papers, plastic wraps and bags are not permitted by the Food Safety Act 2006 and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011 as they can cause serious health issues due to chemical and microbiological contamination.
“Action will be taken against vendors violating the rules,” Seethalakhsmi said.
Earlier, the health department and food safety officials had issued notices prohibiting the sale of food wrapped in newspapers and plastic bags. They had advised vendors to use stainless steel, fresh or dry leaves to store food. Yet, many vendors violated the rule.
According to a release from the collectorate, eatables like vada, bonda, pakoda and bhaji when packed in newspapers and plastic covers become toxic and should not be consumed. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had said the printing ink contains cancer-causing agents.
Recycled newsprints contain phthalate and mineral oil that should not be mixed with food. They also contain lead and cadmium. Once warm food is placed under newspaper, the printed ink melts and exposes the human body to various health problems, according to the release.
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