GUWAHATI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs) across the country to immediately discontinue the use of metallic pins, staple pins, wires, and similar materials in food products and packaging, citing serious food safety concerns.
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In an advisory issued on June 12, FSSAI noted that metallic pins and wires are commonly used for fastening food packets, cake boxes, sweet boxes, snack pouches, takeaway parcels, and decorative cakes. However, several incidents have been reported where such pins were found embedded in or attached to food items and packages, posing a significant risk to consumers.
According to the food regulator, accidental ingestion of metallic pins can lead to injuries and other adverse health consequences. To safeguard public health, FSSAI has instructed all FBOs to immediately stop using metallic pins, wires, or any similar materials for sealing, fastening, securing, or packaging food items.
The directive applies to all categories of food products and packages, including takeaway meals, bakery products, cake boxes, sweet boxes, snack packets, and food parcels.
FSSAI has warned that failure to comply with the advisory will invite appropriate action under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations framed thereunder.
The advisory has been issued with the approval of the competent authority and has been circulated to Food Safety Commissioners of all states and Union Territories for necessary compliance and enforcement.