Lok Sabha Question No. 1230 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-22
Subject: Use of Plastics in Food Packaging Industry
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: DILIP PATEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUE STION NO. 1230 TO BE ANSWERED ON   22ND  DECEMBER, 2017

## USE OF PLASTICS IN F OOD PACKAGING INDUST RY

## 1230. SHRI DILIP PATEL:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the widespread use of plastics in food packaging industry is very harmful for health and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) whether any study has been done by Gover nment in this regard and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

- (a): Plastic packaging materials that come in contact with food products can lead to migration of chemical substances such as residual monomer, additives, plasticizers, pigments, etc., to food whe exposed to different temperatures over a longer duration. Conscious of this fact, the Government encourages use of other packaging materials such as jute for packaging food items, where feasible. All food items cannot, however, be packaged in such alternate materials. Plastic in different forms ha view of it s ability to protect products and extend shelf life, prevent spoilage and contamination, e better storage and sealing aroma, etc. emerged as a widely used material for packaging and storing The plastic material is also temper proof and reduces the chances of adulteration, is corrosion resistant and in most cases, chemically inert.

Keeping the above in view, the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulatio 2011  prescribe  Indian  Standards  for  containers  made  of  plastic  m aterial  of  graded  specification  for packing or storing of food items. These are based on the Bureau of Indian Standards specification also lay down limits of migration of toxic elements. The use of plastics for packaging food in co with spe cified standards is considered safe in the context of contemporary scientific knowledge.

- (b):     Yes. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has conducted a study joint Indian  Institute  of  Packaging  (IIP)  and  National  Test  House  (NT H)  to  determine  the  migration  of chemical contaminants and heavy metals from packaging into food. IIP was given the responsibili undertake the study on chemical contamination from packaging material used for packaged food it focusing majorly on pl astics, paper and other materials. IIP has analysed 1250 samples. National T House  was  given  the  responsibility  to  undertake  the  study  on  chemical  contamination  from  l packaging material, including paper cups, plates, plastic cups, carry bags and al lied materi ls. NTH has analysed 1760 samples.

Opinion regarding safety of plastic very widely and a scientific consensus on the issue is reached. However, the way forward is to judicially use all available scientific knowledge and tech logy to mitigate the adverse effects that may emanate from migration of chemicals from packaging mater packaged  food  and  evolve  innovative  techniques  for  use  of  recycled  packaging  material  in environment friendly manner.

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