For industrial packaging, a minimum of 20 per cent recyclable plastic should China automatic filling machines Factory be used. Moreover, for multi-layered packaging used in fast moving consumer goods like snack items, manufacturers are given three months time to chalk out a mechanism to collect and deposit used plastic packets of such items at collection centres. But these bags are being used at D-mart and Big Bazaar for packaging of food items, even when the notification states that they are banned for packaging of these products," said a senior BMC official.The BMC has sought clarification from the state government on this matter.A senior BMC official stated that supermarkets like D-mart and Big Bazaar are using biodegradable bags for storing raw food items and other materials, which is not allowed according to the plastic ban rules."

The booklet regarding plastic ban that we have received stated that biodegradable plastic bags could be only used for storing agricultural, horticultural, plant nurseries items and for collecting solid waste.M02.Mumbai: Confusion looms over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporations (BMC) inspectors regarding the use of biodegradable plastic bags in supermarkets across Mumbai.Under the new notification issued on June 30, the state government has allowed packaging of groceries and staples in plastic above 50 microns and having minimum weight of 2 gram, for retailers.Printing inks may also contain harmful colours, pigments, binders, additives and preservatives.Older people, teenagers, children and people with compromised vital organs and immune systems are at a greater risk of acquiring cancer-related health complications, if they are exposed to food packed in such material.

There is an urgent need to discourage the use of newspaper as food packaging material by creating awareness among businesses, especially unorganised food business operators and consumers on its harmful effects.Beside chemical contaminants, presence of pathogenic microorganisms in used newspapers also pose potential risk to human health, according to the advisory.Newspapers and paper or cardboard boxes made of recycled paper may be contaminated with metallic contaminants, mineral oils and harmful chemicals like the phthalates which can cause digestive problems and also lead to severe toxicity.The FSSAI has directed Commissioners of Food Safety of all States/Union Territories to initiate systematic campaigns for generating awareness among all the stakeholders to discourage the use of newspapers for packing, serving and storing food items.