Deep-fried snacks such as vada, bajji, bonda and samosa continue to be wrapped and handed over to consumers in used newspapers at several tea stalls and bakeries across the district, despite a ban on the practice.

This has raised questions about the extent of monitoring and enforcement by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department. While many bakeries and eateries have switched to paper plates and food-grade packaging materials, hot snacks are still being placed on newspaper sheets or packed in them for takeaway at a number of establishments in both urban and rural areas.

According to food safety experts, printing inks contain chemicals, pigments and heavy metals, including lead, that can seep into hot or oily food. Deep-fried snacks are particularly vulnerable as oil accelerates the transfer of contaminants from the printed surface. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has prohibited wrapping, serving and storing food in newspapers.

Experts further note that discarded newspapers may also contain traces of solvents, pigments, adhesives and substances associated with printing and recycling processes. Long-term exposure to such contaminants could pose health risks.

Awareness among consumers remains limited, and many continue to accept newspaper-wrapped snacks out of habit and convenience. “Most people buy snacks without thinking about the paper used for serving them. Many are unaware of the risks,” said a resident of Kollampalayam, who wished to remain anonymous.

Owners of small establishments often attribute the continued reliance on newspapers to their low cost and easy availability. “Newspapers are cheap and easily available for serving snacks,” said a tea stall owner at Marapalam. Another shopkeeper at Solar said customers frequently use the paper to absorb excess oil from fried snacks.

A group of consumers have called for stronger awareness campaigns and stricter action against violators. They said that although inspections are conducted periodically, the practice remains widespread.

Food Safety Department officials claim to have repeatedly advised food business operators against wrapping or serving food in newspapers, but consumers contend that sustained inspections and stricter enforcement are necessary to ensure compliance.

District Designated Officer K. Varalakshmi could not be reached for comments.