Found pins in your food? FSSAI issues urgent warning to businesses

New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a fresh advisory directing all food business operators (FBOs) to discontinue the use of metallic pins, wires and similar materials in food packaging and parcel sealing.

The regulator said the move was necessary to protect consumers from potential injuries and health hazards arising from accidental ingestion of these materials.

The advisory applies to a wide range of food products and packaging methods used across the food industry.

Concerns over metallic pins in food packages

According to FSSAI, authorities have observed several instances where metallic or staple pins were found embedded in food products or attached to food packages.

The regulator noted that such practices are commonly used for fastening cake boxes, sweet boxes, snack packets, takeaway food parcels and other food packages.

In some cases, metallic pins have also reportedly been used in decorative cakes and bakery products.

FSSAI warned that these objects can easily go unnoticed by consumers, creating a significant food safety risk.

Why the regulator considers it a serious hazard

The food regulator said there is a genuine possibility that consumers could accidentally swallow metallic pins or wires attached to food products or packaging.

Such incidents may result in injuries to the mouth, throat or digestive tract and could lead to serious health complications.

Given the potential consequences, FSSAI described the issue as a "serious food safety hazard" requiring immediate corrective action from food businesses.

Food operators asked to stop the practice immediately

Under the advisory, all food business operators have been instructed to immediately cease the use of metallic pins, wires or any similar fastening material for sealing, securing or packaging food items.

The directive covers bakery products, cakes, sweets, snack packets, takeaway meals, food parcels and all other food-related packaging.

Businesses are expected to adopt safer packaging alternatives that do not pose risks to consumers.

Warning of legal action for non-compliance

FSSAI has made it clear that failure to comply with the advisory could result in penal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.

The regulator said enforcement measures would be taken against food businesses that continue using prohibited materials in packaging despite the warning.

Consumer safety remains top priority

The latest advisory reflects FSSAI's ongoing efforts to strengthen food safety standards and reduce avoidable risks for consumers.

By eliminating the use of metallic pins and wires in food packaging, the regulator aims to prevent accidental injuries and ensure safer handling of food products across the country.

Food businesses are now expected to review their packaging practices and implement safer alternatives to comply with the directive and safeguard public health.
(With PTI inputs)