In a world where convenience often takes precedence over safety, the Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), G Kamala Vardhana Rao, has sounded a crucial warning. In a recent address, Rao emphasized the critical need to discontinue the use of newspapers in the food industry. The seemingly innocuous practice of wrapping or serving food in newspapers has come under scrutiny, revealing a hidden danger that could compromise public health.
Here's why you should avoid eating in newspaper:
The innocuous act of unwrapping a quick snack or street food from a newspaper may have been a common sight for many, but there's more to this practice than meets the eye. Rao's concerns are grounded in scientific evidence that underscores the potential hazards lurking within those ink-stained pages.
1. Ink Contamination: The ink used in newspapers, while seemingly harmless, contains bioactive materials that can contaminate food. These bioactive materials can leach into the food, introducing foreign substances that, when ingested, could lead to various health issues. From skin rashes to gastrointestinal problems, the risks associated with ink contamination are not to be underestimated.
2. Chemical Composition: Beyond the ink, the composition of printing inks poses a significant risk. Many printing inks contain harmful chemicals such as lead and heavy metals. Over time, these toxic substances can leach into the food, accumulating within the body and posing serious long-term health risks. Lead, in particular, is notorious for its neurotoxic effects, potentially causing developmental issues in children and cognitive impairments in adults.
Eating food wrapped in newspapers can potentially lead to various diseases and health problems due to ink contamination and the presence of harmful chemicals in printing inks. Here are some of the health issues that can arise from this practice:
Gastrointestinal Problems: Ink may irritate the digestive tract, causing stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Skin Disorders: Handling ink-exposed food can result in skin rashes and itching.
Heavy Metal Poisoning: Ink often contains lead, potentially causing poisoning with symptoms like abdominal pain and weakness.
Foodborne Illness: Ink contaminants may introduce harmful bacteria, leading to food poisoning.
Cancer Risk: Some inks contain cancer-causing substances, increasing the risk of various cancers, including liver, lung, skin, bladder, and more.
To address these alarming concerns, the FSSAI has taken proactive steps. The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations of 2018, implemented by the authority, now strictly prohibit the use of newspapers or similar materials for food storage and wrapping. This bold move is not just a regulatory measure but a safeguard for public health.
Also read: What is scabies, and how to treat this skin infection naturally?
