The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all food business operators (FBOs) to immediately discontinue the use of metallic pins, staple pins and wires in food packaging, warning that non-compliance could attract penal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
In an advisory issued in the interest of public health and food safety, the regulator expressed concern over the continued use of metallic pins and wires for sealing, fastening and securing food packages, including cakes, bakery products, takeaway meals, sweet boxes, snack packets and other food parcels.
According to FSSAI, several instances have been reported where metallic or staple pins were found embedded in cakes or attached to food packaging, posing a significant risk to consumer safety. The regulator noted that accidental consumption of such materials could result in serious injuries and other adverse health consequences.
“It has come to the notice of FSSAI that metallic/staple pins and wires are being used by FBOs for preparing decorative cakes and other such products and for fastening food packets, cake boxes, sweet boxes, snack pouches, takeaway food parcels and other food packages,” the authority said in its advisory.
The regulator has instructed all food businesses to immediately stop using metallic pins, wires or any similar materials for sealing, fastening or packaging food items. The directive applies across product categories, including bakery goods, confectionery, takeaway foods and packaged snacks.
FSSAI further warned that failure to comply with the advisory would invite appropriate action under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.
The move is part of the regulator’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food safety standards and eliminate physical contamination risks in food products reaching consumers.