The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released draft amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, proposing a ban on the use of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and Bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials. Stakeholders have 60 days from the Gazette publication to submit their objections or suggestions.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has issued a draft notification to amend the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018.
The proposed amendments aim to strengthen food packaging safety by prohibiting the use of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and Bisphenol A (BPA) in materials that come into contact with food.
Specifically, two new sub-regulations have been added under Regulation 3 (General Requirements):
- (15) Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) shall not be used in the manufacturing of food contact materials.
- (16) Food contact materials manufactured with polycarbonate and epoxy resins shall be free from Bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives.
These measures are intended to reduce consumer exposure to harmful chemicals linked to endocrine disruption and long-term health risks. The FSSAI has invited public comments within 60 days from the date of Gazette publication.
This initiative aligns India’s food packaging standards with evolving international best practices on chemical safety in food contact materials, ensuring safer and more sustainable packaging systems.