Newspaper for packaging food, banned:regulations

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 25, 2017: Food retailers can legally no longer pack food in newspapers as it poses serious health hazards, stated a Food Safety Officer, in Mangaluru city.

Under the guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the authorities have now agreed to implement the Food and Safety and Standards Act effectively in the district, the official said. He said that use of newspapers for packing cooked food poses a risk to health and thus the ban is essential.

A press release from the Food Safety Officer said that public should not purchase any food items especially fried eatables wrapped in newspapers. Even mineral water comes under food category. The release stated that can/bottle/containers of water should have BIS standard and ISI mark. It should mandatorily have the date of manufacture and the expiry date on the bottle.

"If the public come across packaged drinking water units that fail to have ISI mark and are being sold in the market, they can bring the same to the notice of the food safety officer," he said.

"The use of calcium carbide for artificially ripening fruits like banana, chikoo, mango, mosambi is also banned. Artificial ripening of fruits is not good for health," food safety and quality officer Dr Rajesh said.

Consumers should verify details on standard mark, nutrition values, importers details, weight of the produce, expiry date and manufacturing date while purchasing food products.

In case of any complaints of food safety and standards, public can contact:

Dr Rajesh B V, Designated officer, Food Safety and Quality officer, Mangaluru (9449843255, 0824-2420466);

H P Raju, senior food safety officer, MCC limits (7019181523/ 8453441763),

Dr Naveen Chandra Kulal, taluk medical officer/food safety officer (9845228689),

Dr K Kala Madhu Taluk medical officer/food safety officer, Belthangady (9845967576),

Dr Subramanya M R, taluk medical officer/food safety officer, Sullia (9449662224),

Dr Deepa Prabhu, taluk medical officer/food safety officer, Bantwal (9845838677),

Sumanth, food safety officer, Puttur (9449505104).