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Overview
Clause 3(9) of Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 explicitly prohibits the use of certain hazardous pigments and compounds in printing inks that come into contact with food packaging materials. This regulation is closely aligned with the Indian Standard IS 15495:2004 – Printing Ink for Food Packaging – Code of Practice, which further restricts the use of colorants and solvents known for their toxicity and carcinogenic properties.
The regulation targets compounds that are either bioavailable (easily absorbed by the human body) or carcinogenic, classified under Category 1 or 2 carcinogens.
1. DYE COLOURANTS
2. Prohibited Substances in Food Packaging Inks:
Heavy Metals in Pigments and Compounds
The regulation bans the use of pigments and related compounds containing the following heavy metals:
These metals are known to pose severe health risks, including neurological damage, cancer, and organ toxicity, especially when leached into food products.
A-2: Restricted Dye
Following dye-based colorants are not permitted due to their potential carcinogenic and bioavailable nature:
These dyes are often synthetic and have been linked to long-term health hazards through food contact migration
A-3: Prohibited Solvents
Solvents used in the formulation of inks must not include the following:
These solvents are toxic, potentially volatile under storage conditions, and may cause contamination through evaporation and migration.
A-4: Restricted Plasticizers
Plasticizers, used to improve flexibility in ink formulations, are prohibited if they contain:
These substances are persistent in the environment and may bioaccumulate in human tissues, causing endocrine disruption and other toxic effects.
A-5: Other Hazardous Compounds
Various additional compounds banned from ink formulations include:
Penalty for non-compliance:
Any person who whether by himself or by any other person on his behalf manufactures for sale or stores or sells or distributes or imports any article of food for human consumption shall be liable to a penalty which may extend upto ₹10 lakh + imprisonment up to 7 years
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