The Food Safety Department in Thoothukudi district recently released a radio advertisement on the ill-effects of using newspaper to wrap food items. The effort follows a successful attempt in the district in 2022 to eliminate the use of newspapers.
S. Mariappan, Designated Officer for Food Safety, said in 2022 an awareness video was released, and vendors were given a month’s notice, after which intense inspections were taken up. During the first inspection, vendors who violated the rule were warned, but for the second offence they were fined ₹1,000. Repeat offenders were warned of closure of shops. “Our effort paid off with good compliance from vendors,” said Dr. Mariappan.
The 2018 Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulation prohibited use of newspapers to store, wrap or serve food. The Act came into force in 2016.
