States » NorthPosted at: Nov 4 2026 11:41AM


FSSAI proposes allowing recycled plastics in food packaging under strict safety conditions

New Delhi, Nov 4 (UNI) India's food safety regulator has proposed allowing chemically recycled polyethene and polypropylene in materials that come into contact with food, provided they meet the same standards as new plastics, while introducing separate safeguards for the use of recycled polymers in multilayer food packaging.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has published draft amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, seeking to permit specified recycled plastic materials in food packaging without compromising existing safety requirements.
The proposed Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, published in the Gazette of India on November 3, lay down two distinct conditions for the use of recycled materials in food packaging.
Under the first provision, recycled polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) produced through chemical recycling using the monomer route, as defined under Indian Standard IS 14534, may be used in food-contact materials.
However, such materials will be permitted only if the final recycled product is considered equivalent to virgin plastic and meets all the criteria applicable to virgin material.
The proposed regulation specifically requires that the recycled material's final output be "considered equivalent to virgin material" before it can be used in food-contact applications.
Virgin plastic refers to newly manufactured plastic that has not previously been recycled.
The condition is intended to ensure that recycled PE and PP used in food-contact materials meet the standards applicable to newly manufactured plastics.
Separate safeguards for multilayer food packaging
In another significant proposal, FSSAI has sought to allow recycled polymers derived exclusively from food-grade packaging materials to be used in the outermost layer of multilayer packaging intended for food products.
However, the inner layers must have adequate barrier properties to prevent substances from the recycled outer layer from migrating into food.
The packaging must also comply with existing prescribed migration limits, which regulate the transfer of substances from packaging materials into food products.
The two provisions distinguish between chemically recycled PE and PP that meet virgin-material standards and recycled polymers intended for use only in the outermost layer of multilayer packaging.
The first provision provides a conditional route for the use of chemically recycled PE and PP in food-contact materials, while the second requires protective barriers between the recycled outer layer and food.
The proposal does not provide blanket permission for all recycled plastics to come into direct contact with food.
Instead, it specifies the types of materials, rthe recycling process, and the onditions under which their use may be permitted.
Public comments invited for 60 days
FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders on the proposed amendments.
According to the notification, the draft regulations will be considered after t0 days from the date on which copies of the Gazette containing the notification are made available to the public.
The authority said objections and suggestions received during the prescribed period would be considered before the regulations are finalised.
Comments can be sent to the Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, Food and Drug Administration Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi.
UNI KK ARN
Tags: #FSSAI proposes allowing recycled plastics in food packaging under strict safety conditions
More News

Railway Board tightens RPF security after suspected spy-camera incidents, orders year-long beat assignments

04 Nov 2026 | 12:30 PM

New Delhi, Nov 4 (UNI) The Railway Board has ordered a major restructuring of the Railway Protection Force's (RPF) security deployment system following reports of suspected electronic espionage at sensitive railway locations, introducing year-long continuity in beat assignments, risk-based surveillance and mandatory annual inspections by senior security officers.

see more..

Hisar police warn uniform sellers of legal action for sales without buyer verification

04 Nov 2026 | 12:26 PM

Hisar, Nov 4 (UNI) Hisar police on Wednesday warned traders selling police and military uniforms of legal action for failing to verify buyers' identities and maintain sales records, citing concerns that criminals could exploit such lapses to impersonate security personnel and commit offences.

see more..

Keran Heritage Centre set to be inaugurated close to LoC in north Kashmir to boost border tourism

04 Nov 2026 | 12:11 PM

Srinagar, Nov 4 (UNI) Once known primarily as a conflict-prone frontier along the Line of Control (LoC), Keran Valley in north Kashmir’s Kupwara is gradually emerging as an offbeat tourist destination, with efforts underway to showcase its natural beauty and rich heritage.

see more..

FSSAI proposes allowing recycled plastics in food packaging under strict safety conditions

04 Nov 2026 | 11:41 AM

New Delhi, Nov 4 (UNI) India's food safety regulator has proposed allowing chemically recycled polyethene and polypropylene in materials that come into contact with food, provided they meet the same standards as new plastics, while introducing separate safeguards for the use of recycled polymers in multilayer food packaging.

see more..

Former MLC, senior NC leader Ghulam Qadir Pardesi passes away

04 Nov 2026 | 11:25 AM

Srinagar, Nov 4 (UNI) Senior National Conference leader and former Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Ghulam Qadir Pardesi passed away late Tuesday night, prompting an outpouring of condolences from party leaders and workers.

see more..