Sir,

It is being observed regularly that still old newspapers are being used to wrap the oil-based food items like Maddur vada by many vendors in most of the trains running between Mysuru and Bengaluru and beyond (see photo taken recently in Kacheguda Express near Mandya). It may be similar practice in other trains also.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has long back cautioned public not to use old newspapers to wrap food items, especially oily foods,  as a primary packing material, as the lead present in the newsprint is toxic and it can migrate into food and can cause health hazard to people.

Hence, it is requested that Railway authorities may create awareness in the vendors and the caterers of Indian Railways in this regard and start using alternate safe and environmentally friendly materials.

– Dr. S. V. N. Vijayendra, Roopanagar, 8.11.2019

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