Disadvantages of eating food wrapped in newspaperImage Credit source: pexels
From serving samosas in the market to packing parathas in tiffin, the use of newspaper is quite normal. The disadvantages associated with it have received little attention, until recently FSSAI There is a ban on serving or wrapping food in newspaper because there is a risk of serious harm to health. Actually, the ink used in newspaper printing contains poisonous chemicals, like lead. If you ever use newspaper to wrap food, then know what harm it can cause to your health.
One should avoid packing food in newspaper or any kind of printed paper. FSSAI says that when hot or oily food comes in contact with newspaper, the chemicals present in its ink get mixed directly into your food, causing many health risks.
Warning has been given earlier also
This is not the first time that FSSAI has issued an advisory considering the harm caused by keeping food in newspapers. Earlier in 2019 also, concern was raised regarding this so that the food does not get contaminated. The use of newspaper or any similar material for storing and wrapping food items is strictly prohibited under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018.
cancer risk
Medical science has progressed a lot today, but despite this, cancer is still a serious disease due to which the risk of death is very high. PubMed Central According to a report published in, apart from smoking, things like dye, paint also pose a risk of cancer. The reported results suggest that the most notable risk factors for the development of bladder cancer are exposure to aromatic amines (2-naphthylamine, 4-aminobiphenyl and benzidine) and 4,4′-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline). These chemicals are found in products of the dyeing and rubber industries, as well as in hair dyes, paints, fungicides, cigarette smoke, plastics, metals, and motor vehicle exhaust. The same chemicals are also present in the ink-dye used in printing.
Image: Getty Images
digestion is harmed
An advisory issued by FSSAI in 2016 said that Indians are gradually becoming victims of poisoning due to the widespread use of newspapers as food packaging in place of absorbent paper in small hotels, vendors and even in homes. In addition to chemical contaminants, newspapers may also contain pathogenic microorganisms, which can cause digestive harm. This can cause food poisoning.
damage to these organs also
Food that comes in contact with chemicals also harms your brain. Apart from this, it is also harmful for the kidneys. When toxins accumulate in excess in the body and if the kidneys are unable to filter them, they get deposited in the form of crystals and this increases pressure on the kidneys. In medical language it is called Nephrotoxicity.
These people are at greater risk
In this 2016 report of FSSAI, it was also told that the elderly, teenagers, children and people with weak organs and weak immune system are at higher risk of many health problems including cancer if they come in contact with food packed in paper containing such chemicals.
Also read: Food Safety Day 2026: From cooking to eating… start food safety from home, remember 5 rules
