Mumbai Food Vendors Use Newspapers Despite FDA Crackdown Fining 26 Outlets

Nearly two months after the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated a crackdown against the use of newspapers for food packaging, vendors near Railway Colony at Sahar Cross Road in Andheri East and across Mumbai continue the practice. On Tuesday, food sellers in Andheri East were observed wrapping hot snacks in printed newspaper sheets for customers.

The enforcement action was launched by the FDA to stop food establishments from using newsprint to pack and wrap hot and oily food items. During the crackdown, FDA officials inspected 55 food establishments across the city and penalised 26 of them for violating packaging norms.

Despite the inspections and fines, the practice continues unabated across Mumbai. Vada pav stalls, farsan shops, small eateries, and restaurants continue to serve and pack food directly in newspaper sheets.

According to local residents, the inspections conducted by the authorities over the past two months have failed to bring about any visible change on the ground, with street vendors and eateries persisting with the practice.