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Why India Food Regulator Advises Removing Stickered Areas On Produce
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CNBC TV18•07-10-2026, 11:45
Why India Food Regulator Advises Removing Stickered Areas On Produce
- •The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India warned that simply washing fruits and vegetables with stickers is not enough to remove harmful adhesive residue.
- •FSSAI advises consumers to peel the skin or cut away the stickered area entirely before eating fruits and vegetables to protect family health.
- •Experts note that sticker glue and ink contain non-consumable materials which can cause throat irritation, nausea, or digestive issues if ingested.
- •Accidentally swallowing stickers also poses a minor choking hazard, particularly for children and older adults, while repeated exposure could introduce unwanted chemicals.
Key Questions Answered
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) warns that simply washing produce may not remove all adhesive residue left behind by stickers, which can stick to the skin of the fruit or vegetable and potentially harm your health.
According to Dr Brunda MS, swallowing non-food sticker materials can cause throat or stomach irritation, mild discomfort, nausea, or digestive issues. In rare cases, especially with children and older adults, it can pose a choking risk, and repeated consumption may expose the body to unwanted chemicals over time.
No, even if an adhesive is described as food-grade, experts emphasize that this does not mean the sticker itself or its glue and ink are meant to be eaten.
