The primary objective of this move is to safeguard public health by eliminating avoidable hazards in the food supply chain.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strict nationwide directive requiring all food business operators to immediately stop using metallic pins, staples, and wires for food packaging. Dr. Amit Sharma, Executive Director of Compliance Strategy at FSSAI, signed the official advisory, which mandates an instant transition to safer packaging alternatives for all food parcels and takeaways.

The primary objective of this move is to safeguard public health by eliminating avoidable hazards in the food supply chain. The regulator aims to ensure that takeaway meals, bakery products, and snack packets reach consumers in a secure manner without the risk of physical contamination or harmful objects being accidentally ingested.

Failure to comply with this new mandate will result in serious consequences. Under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its associated regulations, non-compliant businesses face strict penal action. 

This intervention follows multiple reports of metallic pins being found embedded in items like decorative cakes and food boxes. Such incidents present a critical safety risk, as consumers may inadvertently consume these sharp objects, potentially leading to severe internal injuries, choking, or other adverse health consequences that necessitate urgent medical attention.

Adopting this ban strengthens India’s broader food safety framework and encourages operators to switch to food-grade, secure, and non-hazardous sealing methods. By removing metallic fasteners, the FSSAI is prioritizing consumer protection, ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more reliable experience for every citizen ordering food or purchasing packaged snacks.