Last updated on June 10th, 2024 at 01:08 pm
With the rising incidence of cancer, concerned citizens in Mysuru are urging the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and local hoteliers to prohibit the use of newspapers for food packaging. They recommend switching to butter paper, which is safer for wrapping food items.
Health experts warn that newspapers, which contain harmful chemicals and pathogens, can transfer these substances to food, posing serious health risks. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has already banned the use of newspapers for food packaging, citing potential contamination and the risk of cancer.
Rising Cancer Concerns
According to the World Health Organization, India reported 14.1 lakh new cancer cases and 9.1 lakh cancer deaths last year. Many believe that one contributing factor is the widespread use of newspapers for food packaging, which allows chemicals from the ink to seep into the food.
Residents emphasize that food items like idli, vada, dosa, and bakery products are often wrapped in newspapers by hoteliers, bakeries, and street vendors. These practices persist despite the availability of safer alternatives like butter paper, which, though more expensive, does not pose the same health risks.
FSSAI Regulations and Health Risks
The FSSAI has issued clear regulations prohibiting the use of newspapers for wrapping, covering, or serving food. Newspapers can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, and the ink contains bioactive materials, harmful colors, pigments, and chemical contaminants that can be hazardous to health.
“Newspapers and recycled paper products can contain metallic contaminants, mineral oils, and harmful chemicals like phthalates, which can cause digestive issues and severe toxicity,” states an FSSAI advisory.
Enforcement Actions
Ravindra, the chief officer of the FSSAI Mysuru region, reported that eight shopkeepers have been penalized for using newspapers to wrap food. Fines ranged from Rs 2,000 to Rs 15,000 during recent inspections. The department plans to intensify inspections citywide and enforce stricter penalties for violators.
“Wrapping food in newspapers is an unhealthy practice and poses significant health risks. We have issued repeated advisories and will soon increase our enforcement efforts,” said Ravindra. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, fines can reach up to Rs 1 lakh, and failure to pay may result in legal action.
Hotel Owners’ Response
M. Narayanagowda, President of the Hotel Owners’ Association, expressed support for the initiative. He pledged to direct all association members to stop using newspapers for food packaging and adhere strictly to FSSAI guidelines and regulations.
Conclusion
The call to ban newspaper-wrapped food is gaining momentum in Mysuru, driven by concerns over cancer risks and other health hazards. Authorities and hotel owners are being urged to adopt safer packaging alternatives to protect public health.