New Delhi, June 12: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs) across the country to immediately stop using metallic pins, staple pins, wires and similar materials in food products and food packaging, citing serious risks to consumer safety.

In an advisory issued on June 12, 2026, FSSAI noted that metallic pins and wires are commonly used in decorative cakes and for fastening food packets, cake boxes, sweet boxes, snack pouches, takeaway parcels and other food packages. However, several incidents have been reported where metallic pins were found embedded in or attached to food products and packaging materials.

According to the food safety regulator, the presence of metallic pins poses a significant health hazard as consumers may inadvertently ingest them, leading to injuries and other adverse health consequences.

To safeguard public health, FSSAI has instructed all Food Business Operators to immediately discontinue the use of metallic pins, wires or any similar materials for sealing, fastening, securing or packaging food items. The directive covers bakery products, cakes, sweets, takeaway meals, food parcels, snack packets and all other food-related packaging.

The authority has warned that any violation of the advisory may attract penal action under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations framed thereunder.

The advisory has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority and copies have been forwarded to Food Safety Commissioners of all States and Union Territories for necessary compliance and enforcement action.