FDA Fines 26 Mumbai Eateries for Newspaper Packaging

Mumbai's Food and Drug Administration booked 26 food establishments for wrapping or serving food in newspaper during a special inspection drive held between June 5 and June 16, 2026. Of 55 establishments surveyed across Mumbai, nearly half were found violating the rule.

Fines totaling ₹1.51 lakh were recovered from 17 settled cases. The FSSAI has long prohibited this practice. Newspaper ink carries harmful chemicals, dyes, lead, and heavy metals that leach directly into hot and oily food.

Enough warnings. The FDA's drive signals tougher enforcement is coming for vendors still treating the morning paper as a takeaway box.