FSSAI is planning amendments to its food safety and standard (packaging) regulations to ban the use of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials, according to two government officials and documents reviewed by .
PFAS, also called “forever chemicals”, are used to make packaging grease and water resistant. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds prevent them from breaking down easily, allowing them to accumulate in the environment and human body over time. BPA, used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, is commonly found in reusable bottles and the lining of food cans.
The FSSAI's proposed move follows regulatory action in the US and European Union, which have already restricted or phased out these chemicals in food packaging.
The decision comes amid a growing body of scientific evidence linking exposure to PFAS and BPA with a range of health problems, from hormonal disruptions and reproductive problems to diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Some research also suggests possible links to testicular and kidney cancer.
This is not the first time that FSSAI has taken action on plastic packaging. FSSAI has previously banned the use of recycled plastic or newspapers for packaging food products, and new regulations will come into effect in July 2019. The new rules replace the previous Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations, 2011.
India also banned the manufacture, distribution, storage and sale of 19 specific single-use plastic items in July 2022, including items such as plastic cutlery, straws and certain types of wrapping films. However, this current proposal specifically addresses the use of PFAS and BPA, chemicals used in food contact materials.
What the draft regulations propose
The new draft regulations introduce two important requirements under the general safety provisions of the existing Food Safety Regulations 2018, said one of the government officials, requesting anonymity.
“The first is a clear ban on the use of PFAS in the production of food contact materials. The second requires food contact materials made with polycarbonate and epoxy resins to be free of BPA and its derivatives,” said a government official quoted above, requesting anonymity.
FSSAI sought comments from relevant stakeholders in early December.
The official added that the FSSAI's move is aimed at enhancing consumer safety by eliminating harmful chemicals that can leach from packaging into food products.
Key Takeaways
- India's food safety regulator plans to ban PFAS and BPA in food packaging to curb long-term health risks.
- The move brings India on par with the US and EU, where such chemicals are already being phased out.
- PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals', persist in the environment and human body, leading to potential chronic diseases.
- The proposed ban aims to eliminate harmful leaching from packaging in food products.
Queries sent to FSSAI spokesperson on Monday remained unanswered until the time of writing.
Public health experts have welcomed the move as a long overdue preventive measure.
“For years, these 'forever chemicals' have quietly entered our bodies through everyday packaging, water bottles, wrappers and cans, without any visible warning,” says Dr. Rohit Sharma, consultant, department of internal medicine, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Jaipur.
By restricting PFAS and BPA, India is not only aligning with global standards but also prioritizing public health. These substances persist in both the environment and the body, accumulating over time and increasing the risk of chronic diseases, Sharma added.
The move could have significant implications for India's food and beverage industry, packaging manufacturers and retailers, many of whom rely on PFAS-based coatings for their grease-resistant properties.
“The proposed move to ban PFAS and BPA in food packaging is a necessary step, in line with global safety trends. However, the transition, especially away from PFAS, will require sufficient time, technical guidance and affordable alternatives to ensure smooth compliance for small and medium businesses,” said Subhaprada Nishtala, director of the Chamber of Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses.
“It is also relevant to note that not all packaging materials contain these substances, and the overall impact should be carefully studied. Robust testing capacity will also be essential to help the industry evaluate and ensure compliance,” Nishtala added.
