Reused tins are those that have already been used once and after consumption of the food item are discarded by the consumer and reused by some packers.
FDCA has ordered officials to identify such entities in their jurisdiction and take legal action. The FDCA’s directive is considered important because there is widespread reuse of tins for packaging food items, especially edible oil.
H G Koshia, commissioner of the Gujarat state FDCA, said, “Our action is aimed at ensuring the safety of consumer health by curbing the illegal reuse of tins for packaged food items. According to rules of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, reuse of container tins for packaging food is prohibited.”
According to industry sources, despite widespread reuse of tins, many consumers are unaware of the risks associated with their use. “When reused without proper cleaning or repurposing, such tins can pose significant health hazards. Environmental factors can trigger chemical reactions and rust formation. These can cause the stored food items to spoil prematurely, endangering consumer well-being,” said a source in the food industry.