{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Wrapping Hot Food in Newspaper Can Lead to Serious Illnesses, Experts Warn of Liver and Kidney Damage",
  "summary": "A common practice of serving hot, oily foods wrapped in newspapers or recycled paper, from street vendors to online deliveries, poses significant health risks. Harmful chemicals and heavy metals present in newspaper ink can leach into food, potentially causing long-term damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.",
  "content": "Enjoying hot samosas and pakoras is a cherished tradition in India, particularly during the monsoon or winter seasons. It's common to see these savory treats served wrapped in newspaper or ordinary paper, a sight ubiquitous from roadside stalls to bustling markets. However, this seemingly convenient habit can pose a severe threat to your health, potentially leading to a range of serious illnesses.\n\nHealth Expert's Warning\nDr. Girish Gangwal, Associate Director of the Department of Internal Medicine at Jai Prabha Superspecialty Hospital, Patna, told TrendKia that when hot food comes into contact with newspaper, the ink and its chemical components can dissolve into the food. These substances can prove highly detrimental to the body and contribute to chronic health issues.\n\nRising Packaging Costs and Health Risks\nDr. Gangwal noted that the practice of wrapping food in newspaper or any regular paper was less prevalent in the past but has now become widespread. Many vendors opt for newspaper to save on packaging costs when serving samosas, pakoras, and other food items directly. Even online food delivery services frequently use recycled paper for packaging. This trend can be harmful to consumers' health.\n\nDual Dangers: Chemicals and Microorganisms\nAccording to Dr. Gangwal, wrapping food in newspaper causes harm to health in two primary ways. The first risk comes from the chemical elements present in the newspaper ink, and the second arises from the newspaper's contact with numerous individuals. From the printing press to reaching your hands, newspaper comes into contact with various bacteria and other microorganisms at different stages. When food directly touches such newspaper, these microorganisms can transfer to the food, leading to stomach and digestive problems.\n\nHarmful Metals in Newspaper Ink\nDr. Gangwal emphasized that the ink used in newspaper printing contains several hazardous chemicals and heavy metals. These often include metals such as Lead, Chromium, and Cadmium. If an individual consumes food that has been in contact with such paper over an extended period, these toxic elements can gradually accumulate in the body.\n\nSevere Impact on Liver, Kidneys, and Fetus\nThese chemical elements progressively build up around organs in the body. Over time, as their quantity increases, they can severely damage the liver, kidneys, and other vital organs. Dr. Gangwal also highlighted that heavy metals like Lead are considered extremely harmful for fetal development in pregnant women, potentially leading to serious birth defects or other complications.\n\nIncreased Risk with Hot and Oily Foods\nAs per Dr. Girish Gangwal, when hot or oily food is placed on newspaper, the heat and moisture cause the chemical components in the ink to dissolve more easily into the food. This is why it is advised to avoid placing or serving any type of food in newspaper. Sometimes, even the moisture between the food and the newspaper can transfer heavy metals into the meal, further increasing health risks.\n\nSafer Packaging Alternatives\nTo safely package food items, Dr. Gangwal suggests using food-grade butter paper, food-grade packaging materials, or banana leaves. These alternatives protect food from contact with chemicals and microorganisms. If using external paper is unavoidable for some reason, ensure that butter paper or a banana leaf is placed between the food and the paper to prevent direct contact between the food and newspaper or any other ordinary paper.\n\nWhat this means for you\n• Across India: Re-evaluate your daily food habits and avoid consuming hot or oily food wrapped in newspaper, especially from street vendors or online deliveries, as it poses serious health risks.\n• In Patna: Local residents should pay particular attention to the warnings from Dr. Girish Gangwal of Jai Prabha Superspecialty Hospital and advocate for safer food packaging options.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Why is wrapping hot food in newspaper harmful?\nWrapping hot or oily food in newspaper is harmful because heat and moisture cause harmful chemicals and heavy metals from the ink to leach into the food. Additionally, newspapers come into contact with various microorganisms and bacteria that can transfer to the food.\n\n2. What harmful chemicals are found in newspaper ink?\nNewspaper ink often contains heavy metals such as Lead, Chromium, and Cadmium, along with other harmful chemicals.\n\n3. What health problems can prolonged consumption of food wrapped in newspaper cause?\nProlonged consumption can lead to the accumulation of these harmful elements in the body, potentially damaging vital organs like the liver, kidneys, and others. Metals like Lead are also detrimental to fetal development in pregnant women.\n\n4. What are the safe packaging alternatives for hot food?\nSafe alternatives include food-grade butter paper, food-grade packaging materials, or banana leaves. If ordinary paper must be used, place butter paper or a banana leaf between the food and the paper.\n\n5. Which expert issued this warning?\nDr. Girish Gangwal, Associate Director of the Department of Internal Medicine at Jai Prabha Superspecialty Hospital in Patna, issued this warning.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/health/akhabara-men-garma-khana-lapetana-bana-sakata-hai-gnbhira-bimariyon-ki-vajaha-vi-1725",
  "category": "Health",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-19",
  "tags": [
    "Food Safety",
    "Newspaper Ink",
    "Health Risks",
    "Liver Damage",
    "Kidney Damage",
    "Food Packaging",
    "Street Food",
    "Chemical Contamination"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}