Mumbai Food Vendors Continue Using Newspapers Despite FDA Fining 26 Outlets

Food vendors across Mumbai, including stalls near Railway Colony at Sahar Cross Road in Andheri East, continue to use newspapers for wrapping and packing food despite an ongoing crackdown by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Almost two months after the FDA initiated action against food establishments over the practice, street vendors and eateries still routinely pack hot and oily items in newsprint.

During its enforcement drive, the FDA inspected 55 food establishments across the city and penalised 26 of them for violating safety norms regarding the use of newspapers for food packaging.

The practice remains widespread across various food outlets, ranging from vada pav stalls and farsan shops to small eateries and restaurants. On Tuesday, vendors near Sahar Cross Road were observed wrapping hot snacks in newspaper for customers.

Locals noted that the inspections and penalties imposed by regulatory authorities have so far failed to bring about any visible change on the ground.