FSSAI bans stapler pins in tea bags from January 2018

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on 24 July 2017 banned the use of stapler pins in tea bags.

The decision is effective from 1 January 2018.

The FSSAI has deemed the use of stapler pins in tea bag a serious health hazard. The move is expected to affect the fast growing packaged tea business in the country.

In its order, FSSAI has stated that “The use of stapler pins in tea bags poses potential hazard to consumers since any loose staple pin consumed inadvertently with tea may cause a serious health hazard.” It went on to state that “The Food Authority, in exercise of the power conferred under Section (15) FSS Act, 2006, hereby directs the concerned food business operators to discontinue the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of stapled tea bags by January 1, 2018.”

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has also directed all food safety commissioners to take action to prevent the use of unsafe packaging materials by companies and take up measures for enforcement of its order.

About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is an autonomous body established under the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

• It has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India.

• FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.

• Its headquarters are located at New Delhi.