What's in the New Packaging Draft?
In early 2026, the FSSAI released a set of draft amendments to its 2018 Packaging Regulations, aiming to provide much-needed clarity. The proposal introduces several new, specific definitions for terms that were previously used more loosely. For the first
time, it distinctly defines what constitutes a “food contact material” and, crucially, a “food-grade contact material.” The draft specifies that any material touching food must not endanger human health or cause an unacceptable change in the food's composition or characteristics. This move aims to align India’s standards more closely with international benchmarks and address emerging safety risks.
Why Was This Change Necessary?
Previously, the term 'food-grade' was broadly defined, creating a grey area for manufacturers and regulators. The primary concern has always been the migration of harmful chemicals from packaging into food. This process, known as leaching, can introduce substances like heavy metals (lead, mercury), phthalates, and Bisphenol A (BPA) into what we eat, posing significant health risks over time. The old regulations, while a step up from what existed before 2018, lacked specific definitions for new packaging technologies and so-called 'non-intentionally added substances' (NIAS) — chemicals that are not added for technical reasons but can still be present in the final material. This ambiguity made it difficult to enforce a uniform standard of safety.
Spotlight on New Definitions
The 2026 draft introduces clear definitions for several key terms, strengthening the entire framework. “Food contact material” (FCM) is now defined as anything intended to touch food that should not have an undesirable effect. The star of the show, “food-grade contact material,” must meet prescribed safety standards and is prohibited from endangering health or altering the food itself. The draft also formally recognizes modern techniques like “modified atmosphere packaging” and “aseptic packaging,” bringing the regulations up to speed with current technology. Perhaps most importantly, it defines NIAS, or non-intentionally added substances, to better regulate unexpected and potentially harmful chemicals that can appear during manufacturing.
What It Means for Consumers
For the average person, these changes translate to safer food and greater peace of mind. A clearer, more enforceable definition of 'food-grade' means that the packaging on your shelf is less likely to contain harmful contaminants that could leach into your food. The regulations have long prohibited using materials like newspaper for wrapping food due to risks from printing ink, and this new draft builds on that foundation by ensuring all materials, from plastics to paper, adhere to stricter scientific standards. It closes loopholes that may have allowed materials with trace amounts of harmful substances to be used, ultimately leading to a more trustworthy food supply chain from producer to consumer.
The Impact on the Food Industry
While a major win for public health, the new draft will require the food packaging industry to adapt. Manufacturers will need to review their supply chains and ensure that all materials used comply with the newly specified definitions and migration limits. This may involve more rigorous testing, sourcing higher-quality materials, and potentially phasing out certain plastics or additives that fall short of the new standards. The regulations specify that printing inks must conform to Indian Standard IS 15495, and colorants in plastics must adhere to IS 9833, adding layers of compliance. While this may increase initial costs and complexity for some businesses, it also standardizes the market and levels the playing field, ensuring all companies are held to the same high safety standards.
