FSSAI tightens food safety rules on knives & packaging materials

Food safety regulators are stepping up efforts to reduce contamination risks in food preparation and packaging across India.

In its latest advisory, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed food businesses to use only food-grade, corrosion-resistant knives and cutting tools during food handling and processing activities.

The move comes after reports revealed the use of rusted, chipped, painted and damaged blades in several food establishments.

According to FSSAI, such equipment can contaminate food physically, chemically and microbiologically, posing potential health risks to consumers.

The regulator stressed that all utensils and equipment used in food handling, preparation, processing, packaging and storage must be made from safe, food-grade materials.

In addition, businesses must maintain these tools in hygienic condition through regular cleaning and disinfection.

FSSAI warned that using corroded or poorly maintained knives and cutting equipment violates sanitary and hygiene requirements under existing food safety regulations.

Consequently, food business operators found breaching these norms may face regulatory action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

To strengthen enforcement, the authority has instructed state food safety commissioners to closely monitor compliance during inspections.

Officials have also been asked to maintain strict vigilance regarding the condition and maintenance of food-contact equipment.

The advisory follows another recent directive aimed at improving food safety standards.

On June 12, FSSAI ordered food business operators to immediately stop using metallic pins and wires for sealing or securing food packages.

The regulator noted that metallic pins are commonly used in cake decorations, snack packets, sweet boxes and takeaway food parcels.

However, several incidents have been reported where such pins were found inside or attached to food products.

FSSAI described the practice as a serious food safety hazard because consumers may accidentally swallow the pins, leading to injuries and other health complications.

Therefore, the authority has directed all food businesses to discontinue the use of metallic pins, wires and similar materials in packaging and food presentation.

The twin advisories reflect FSSAI’s growing focus on preventive food safety measures.

By targeting unsafe equipment and hazardous packaging practices, the regulator aims to improve hygiene standards and reduce avoidable risks across the food industry.

Businesses that fail to comply could face penalties and enforcement action during inspections.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on March 31, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1325334