The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed significant changes to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, aimed at enhancing the safety of food contact materials. The draft, titled Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2025, calls for a ban on poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in food packaging production.
Furthermore, the use of polycarbonate and epoxy resins in food contact materials must no longer contain Bisphenol A (BPA) or its derivatives. Both PFAs and BPA have been linked with serious health concerns such as hormonal imbalances and long-term health risks.
This step by FSSAI signifies a shift towards implementing globally accepted safety standards and science-based risk assessments in food packaging.
The draft regulation is now open for public comments or objections for 60 days from the date of its Gazette publication. FSSAI encourages all stakeholders, industry members, and consumers to participate by submitting their feedback, which will be reviewed prior to finalizing the amendments.