The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, proposing strict restrictions on the packaging of pan masala. The draft mandates the use of non-plastic materials such as paper, cellulose, tin, or glass, and prohibits plastic polymers and aluminium layers. Stakeholders are invited to submit comments within 30 days before finalisation.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released draft amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, specifically targeting the packaging of pan masala products.
Key points include:
The proposed regulation mandates that packaging materials must be limited to paper, paperboard, cellulose, or other naturally derived materials, completely free from plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, PVC, and other synthetic polymers.
- It also prohibits the use of aluminium foil or metallized layers. Alternatively, tin or glass containers are permitted.
- The draft further incorporates provisions from the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, reinforcing the prohibition of plastic sachets for gutkha, tobacco, and pan masala. This move aims to reduce environmental impact and ensure safer packaging practices.
- Stakeholders have been invited to submit objections or suggestions within 30 days of publication.