On October 6, 2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) officially released a draft proposing further amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, issuing the draft Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2025. The draft is formulated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The draft introduces two key prohibitions:
- Prohibiting the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the manufacturing of food contact materials. PFAS are widely used in various industrial applications and consumer products, including food packaging materials, due to their waterproof and oil-resistant properties. However, PFAS are extremely persistent and may have long-term effects on human health.
- Food contact materials manufactured using polycarbonate and epoxy resins should not contain Bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives. BPA is a chemical commonly used in the production of plastics and resins, which may disrupt the endocrine system in the human body and be associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes.
The draft is currently in the consultation stage, with no specified effective date for the prohibitions or a detailed list of PFAS substances to be banned. The public is invited to provide feedback to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India within 60 days if they have any opinions or suggestions.If this ban is ultimately implemented, it will signify a significant step forward for India in the field of food safety and public health.
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