We have all had street snacks like pakoras and samosas wrapped up in newspapers, at least once in our lives. There seemed no harm in eating those snacks that came wrapped in newspapers. In fact, it seemed quite convenient, you eat from them and throw them away.
But there is more to what meets the eye. Using a newspaper as a makeshift plate can be extremely harmful to our health and may make us sick without even realizing it. This is why the district administration of Bhopal has announced a complete ban on the usage of newspapers for serving snacks.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the District Magistrate of Bhopal, IAS officer Avinash Lavania, shared details about the same.
SAY NO TO NEWSPAPERS
Following the guidelines of the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI), the district administration of Bhopal has completely forbidden the use of newspapers for serving snacks or any other food items.
Following the orders of Mr. Lavania, the Food Security Administration has launched two innovative programs under Eat Right Challenge-2 campaign. The collector has launched the ‘Akhbar mein khane ko boliye na’ (Say no to eating in newspapers) campaign.
“The campaign is being launched to stop serving or tying any food items like samosas, poha, etc. in newspapers. Messages of awareness and information will be put in hotels, restaurants, dhabas, stalls, and hawkers’ corners explaining about this,” Mr. Lavania shared.
HEALTH HAZARD
The initiative has been launched after the FSSAI had issued an order regarding the health hazards and damage caused by serving snacks or food items in newspapers.
Through a campaign, the people will be made aware of the health issues that arise while eating in newspapers. The ink used in printing the newspaper contains dangerous chemicals including lead. When the chemicals react with oil or food, they cause serious health issues. Therefore, to ensure the safety of netizens, this step has been taken by the administration.
“The ink in the newspapers is extremely harmful, which makes it dangerous to health and the digestive system as it reaches our body along with food items and invites diseases. It is necessary to ban the usage of newspapers for serving food for the health and safety of the people,” Mr. Lavania said.
SENSITIZING PEOPLE
According to the officer, a resolution letter is being taken from the vendors from Hawkers Corner to the effect that newspapers will not be used by them in the manufacture, maintenance, serving, covering, and packing of food items. Instructions have been given to them to completely stop the use associated with it.
As per the district administration communique, a campaign will be started in the city for creating awareness among the residents. Flyers and hoardings will be installed in the hotels and an affidavit will be also taken from the vendors for the same.
Also, under this campaign, the district administration team will visit private and government-aided hostels to inspect the food quality being served to the students there.
ALTERNATIVE FOR NEWSPAPERS
Talking about the alternative provided to street hawkers, especially the poor ones who cannot afford plastic or thermocol plates, Mr. Lavania said, “As an alternative, we had already started a Dauna Pattal Abhiyaan to encourage natural products. We are also tying up the stalls in Bhopal with other vendors of food grade materials which provide price competitive alternates.”
Every hawker and food vendor is being asked to ban the usage of newspapers in Bhopal. It is said that if anyone is caught breaching the guidelines, a fine of up to Rs. 2 lakhs can be imposed on them.
“Currently our focus is on IEC and bringing the majority of food stalls into our fold. After this, those who don’t comply will be booked under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act,” the officer told Indian Masterminds.
