The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Friday, 12 June issued a mandatory directive ordering all food business operators (FBOs) across the country to immediately stop using metallic pins, staple pins, wires, or similar materials for sealing, fastening, or packaging food items. The regulator warned that non-compliance will attract penal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

What Prompted the Advisory

FSSAI said it had received multiple reports of metallic and staple pins being found embedded in or attached to cakes, cake boxes, sweet boxes, snack pouches, takeaway food parcels, and other packaged food items. The regulator noted that such materials were being used both decoratively — particularly in bakery products — and functionally for fastening packaging.

According to the advisory, these cases constitute a significant food safety hazard, as consumers may inadvertently ingest the metallic objects, leading to physical injuries and other adverse health consequences.

Scope of the Directive

The ban covers all food categories without exception: bakery products, takeaway meals, snack packets, food parcels, and any other food item or package. FBOs are required to switch to safe, non-metallic alternatives for all sealing and fastening purposes with immediate effect.

The advisory was issued with the approval of the competent authority and signed by Dr Amit Sharma, Executive Director (Compliance Strategy) at FSSAI.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

FSSAI stated clearly that failure to comply will attract 'appropriate penal action' under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations framed thereunder. The regulator did not specify a grace period, underscoring the urgency of the directive.

Wider Context and Consumer Safety Implications

This advisory is part of FSSAI's broader push to tighten food packaging standards in India's rapidly expanding food delivery and bakery sector. The rise of online food ordering and artisanal bakery businesses has led to a proliferation of packaging practices that have not always been subject to rigorous safety scrutiny.

Notably, this is not the first time foreign objects in food packaging have drawn regulatory attention — but a formal, nationwide directive specifically targeting metallic fasteners marks a more decisive intervention. Industry bodies and food business associations are expected to circulate compliance guidelines to their members in the coming days.

With the festive and gifting season driving high volumes of sweet boxes and decorated cakes, the timing of the advisory is particularly significant for the bakery and confectionery segment.