FSSAI asks Karnataka to submit report on use of plastic sheets for idli steaming in restaurants

FSSAI, which is closely monitoring the situation, further said the practice of using plastic sheets raises significant food safety concerns due to the potential leaching of harmful chemicals from plastic into the food.

New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has asked Karnataka to submit a report on the practice of some of the food joints using plastic sheets while preparing idli in a steamer, contaminating the food, officials said here on Saturday.

Taking serious cognisance of reports concerning use of plastic sheets in the steaming process of idlis in some restaurants, the apex food regulator issued instructions to the Karnataka State Food Safety Department to submit a report at the earliest and take immediate action against violators.

"The use of low-quality or non-food-grade plastics in food preparation, particularly under high temperatures, poses a serious health risk," G Kamala Vardhana Rao, chief executive officer at FSSAI, said in a statement.

The FSSAI action comes days after the Karnataka health department banned use of plastic in idli-making in hotels and restaurants following an investigation in which food inspectors tested 251 samples of idli and found 51 of them contaminated.

The practice of using plastic sheets raises significant food safety concerns due to the potential leaching of harmful chemicals from plastic into the food.

Such low-grade plastic, according to the food regulator, can release toxic substances such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and other chemicals when exposed to high heat and can leach into food items, potentially causing adverse health effects.

The State Food Safety Department was asked to take immediate necessary action on the issue and implement strict measures against Food Business Operators or hotels found using plastic in food preparation.

The authority is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the safety of consumers.

The FSSAI notes that use of food-grade materials and hygienic practices are crucial in food preparation. The process of steaming idlis should be done as per convention or approved food-grade materials that do not pose a risk of chemical contamination, it said.