What happens to the body when you ear food wrapped in newspaper?
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims·
Why in news
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reiterated its ban on using newspapers for food packaging due to health risks from heavy metals and microbes.
Background
FSSAI has directed all food businesses to use approved food-grade packaging materials. Dr Disha Bhatia warned that chemicals in printing inks can leach into hot or greasy food, potentially causing cognitive impairment and cancer.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyFSSAI: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- FactNewspaper ink contains heavy metals and disease-causing microbes
- S&TChemicals in printing inks can leach into food when hot or greasy
For Mains
Q. Discuss the regulatory challenges in ensuring food safety standards across the informal food sector in India and suggest measures to mitigate chemical contamination.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory gap: Difficulty in monitoring small-scale street vendors and informal food outlets
- Public health risk: Long-term carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects of heavy metal leaching
- Standardization hurdle: High cost of food-grade packaging for low-margin food businesses
Keywords: Food Safety · Heavy Metals · Public Health · Regulatory Compliance · Contamination
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