Using old newspapers to wrap food has been a common practice in many Indian homes and food stalls. A hot samosa, pakora, poha or paratha wrapped in newspaper may look harmless, but the material touching your food matters more than many people realize.
If you have ever wondered, "Can I wrap food in newspaper?", the answer is simple: it is better not to.
Why Do People Still Use Newspaper for Food?
Newspaper is cheap, easily available and absorbs oil reasonably well. That is why it has traditionally been used for snacks, fried foods and even lunch packing.
But being convenient does not make a material suitable for direct food contact.
What Is the Problem With Newspaper Ink?
Newspapers are printed with inks containing different chemicals. When the newspaper comes into contact with food, particularly hot or oily food, there is a concern about substances from the printed material transferring to the food.
FSSAI has specifically warned consumers and food vendors against using newspapers for wrapping, serving, storing or absorbing excess oil from food.
FSSAI also notes that newspapers can be exposed to environmental contaminants and microorganisms during handling and distribution.
Why Hot and Oily Food Makes It More Concerning
Think about a freshly fried samosa or pakora.
It is hot. It contains oil. And then it is placed directly on printed newspaper.
This is exactly the kind of food-contact situation where using a material specifically designed for food contact makes more sense.
What Should You Use Instead?
The simple rule is:
Food should be wrapped in material that is specifically suitable for food contact.
FSSAI's packaging regulations state that materials that come into direct contact with food should be food-grade and suitable for their intended use.
For everyday meals, using purpose-made food wrapping paper can be a more appropriate choice than using newspaper.
A Better Way to Pack Your Dabba
Dabba Sheet is designed as pre cut food wrapping paper for everyday food packing.
It can be used for foods such as:
- Chapati
- Paratha
- Sandwiches
- Thepla
- Dry snacks
- School tiffin items
- Office lunch
The pre cut sheets also make packing easier because you don't have to measure and cut a large roll every morning.
What About Aluminium Foil?
Newspaper and aluminium foil are very different materials and should not be treated as equally unsafe.
If you want to understand the concerns and considerations around aluminium foil, read our detailed guide:
Understanding the material you use to pack your food is a small step that can make your everyday food habits more thoughtful.
The Simple Takeaway
Newspaper may be convenient, but it is not meant for wrapping or serving food.
When it comes to something that directly touches your meal, choose a material designed and intended for food contact.
A safer food-packing habit can start with something as simple as changing what you wrap your food in.