Tiruchi’s eateries turn the page on newspapers as food packaging material

Restaurants and eateries in tiruchi have started with the directive Issured in September by food and safety standards Authority of India (fassai), to stop using newspapers to pack, Serve or Store Edibles, Thought some vendors are still to fall in line.

Before the announsement, newspapers were widely used as Substitutes for food-grade paper towels and plates to serve edibles, special fried snacks, mainly adjournted Snacks, Mainly believe affordability.

“A packet of paper plates costs ₹ 25 to ₹ 30, whereas 1 kg of newspaper can be boght for under ₹ 10. This is one of the Chief of the Chief Reasons Why Small Shops and Street Food Stalls Prefer Newspapers,” Food Safety Mitra Certified by Fassai to Assist and Guide Food Business Operators in Madurai and Tiruchi, Told The Hindu,

The ban was accounted by a warning on the potential health hazards of consuming food that had come into contact with newspapers. “The chemicals used inks inks control lead and heart metals that can leach into the food. Plantain Leaf, Foil-Coated Paper Plates and Butter Paper Sheets, “said R. Ramesh Babu, Designated Officer, Food Safety and Drug Administration.

Mr. Babu said that Tiruchi’s Catering Sector Had Been Using Newspapers bot as serviettes and as a material to soak up excessive oil from Deep-Fared FoodStuffs. “We have been regularly checked up on operators and conducting awareness drives to

Despite this, roadside stalls, especially there on the city outskirts, stil use newspapers as napkins. “Unless the customer requests differently, food sellers will use newspaper to serve vada, Pakoda and Other Savouries. Customers Must Work Towards Safe Food Consumption, “said n. Jamaluddin, Former President of Tamil Nadu Consumer Rights Council.