Maharashtra BANS SERVING FOOD IN NEWSPAPER.

MAHARASHTRA bans serving food in newspaper

Yes, Maharashtra FDA and FSSAI have strictly banned using newspapers to serve or pack food.

Why the ban?

Toxic printing ink: Newspaper ink contains chemicals, pigments, binders, colorants, and heavy metals like lead. When hot/oily food touches it, these chemicals leach into the food

Health risks: Can cause heart, liver, lung, and neurological issues with long-term exposure

Unhygienic: Newspapers are exposed to dust, dirt, and unsanitary conditions during printing, transport, and distribution. They can carry harmful pathogens that contaminate food. 

What triggered it?

June 5, 2026: A well-known vada pav vendor in Mumbai was found using newspapers to wrap food. FSSAI and BMC took joint action after this

FSSAI then issued a fresh warning to all food businesses. 

What the law says

Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018: Newspapers are banned for storing, wrapping, or serving food

Maharashtra FDA Order: Establishments are barred from serving or packaging food in newspapers or any non-food-grade materials  . 

What’s banned?

Wrapping samosas, pakoras, vada pav etc. in newspaper

Using newspaper to absorb oil from fried snacks

Covering or storing ready-to-eat food in newspaper . 

Who does it apply to?

Street food vendors, restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, QSRs, food stalls, mobile vendors, small retailers - basically all food businesses

Penalties under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

Death from unsafe food: Min 7 years to life imprisonment + ₹10 lakh fine

Grievous injury: Up to 6 years jail + ₹5 lakh fine  

Substandard food: Fine up to ₹5 lakh

Unhygienic conditions: Fine up to ₹1 lakh

No FSSAI license: Fine up to ₹10 lakh

What to use instead?

FSSAI-approved food-grade packaging materials, butter paper, banana leaves, etc.

This rule isn't new - it’s been there since 2018. But enforcement got strict after the Mumbai vada pav case. FSSAI said newspapers aren’t even allowed for absorbing oil from fried food.