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Food safety rules: FSSAI makes rust-free knives and blades compulsory for FBOs
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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in its new advisory on 15 June, asked food business operators (FBOs) to use only food-grade, corrosion-resistant knives, blades and other cutting tools in food processing and handling activities.The regulator also emphasised that all such equipment must be kept in good condition and maintained according to hygiene standards to prevent contamination.FSSAI has directed state food safety commissioners to closely monitor compliance and ensure strict vigilance regarding the use and maintenance of food-contact equipment.“It has been brought to the notice of FSSAI that certain food businesses are using rusted, corroded, chipped, painted, damaged or otherwise unsuitable knives, blades and other cutting equipments during food handling, preparation, processing, cutting, slicing and packaging operations,” it stated.FSSAI noted that existing regulations require all equipment, utensils and food-contact surfaces used during food handling, preparation, processing, packaging and storage to be made from food-grade, non-toxic and corrosion-resistant materials, adding that these items must also be kept in hygienic condition to minimise the risk of food contamination.It stressed that the rules mandate regular cleaning and disinfection of such equipment and utensils at appropriate intervals to ensure food safety standards are maintained.“The use of rusted, corroded, chipped, painted, damaged, inadequately cleaned or non-food-grade knives, blades and cutting equipments may result in physical, chemical and microbiological contamination of food and is not in conformity with the sanitary and hygienic requirements,” FSSAI said.It warned that food business operators who fail to comply with the requirements could face regulatory action. The authority has also instructed state food safety commissioners to closely monitor adherence to the norms during inspections and ensure strict enforcement.The advisory further stated that appropriate action may be taken against violators under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, if any instances of non-compliance are detected.Stop using metallic pins, wires in packaging: FSSAI to FBOsFSSAI on 12 June directed all FBOs to immediately discontinue the use of metallic pins and wires in the packaging of food products and parcels, citing potential health risks to consumers.In an advisory issued to safeguard public health and food safety, the FSSAI cautioned that non-compliance with the directive could attract penal action.According to the regulator, it has observed that metallic or staple pins and wires are being used by FBOs in decorative cakes and similar products, as well as for securing food packets, cake boxes, sweet boxes, snack pouches, takeaway meals and other food packaging.FSSAI noted that multiple cases have been reported in which metallic or staple pins were found embedded in or attached to cakes and packaged food items. The authority described this as a "serious food safety hazard".The regulator mentioned that there is a considerable possibility of consumers accidentally ingesting such pins, which could lead to injuries and other adverse health effects."All FBOs are hereby directed to immediately discontinue the use of metallic pins/wires or any other such material for sealing, fastening, securing, or packaging any food item, food parcel, takeaway meal, bakery product, cake box, sweet box, snack packet, or any other food item or package," the advisory read.(With inputs from ANI)About the AuthorGarvit BhiraniGarvit Bhirani is a journalist based in Gurugram. He is a Deputy Chief Content Producer at LiveMint, where he covers national and international news stories, focusing on accuracy and compelling storytelling for readers. With a total of six years of experience in journalism, he has previously worked with Vaco Binary Semantics for Google, taking on the role of news curation lead, and reported from the field on health, educa
A 21-year-old woman died during a bungee jumping activity in Brazil after organisers allegedly failed to attach her safety cord before launching her from a bridge. Police have detained multiple people as investigations continue. Woman dies in Brazil bungee jumping accident after massive safety lapse.Brazilian authorities have launched an investigation after a 21-year-old woman died in a bungee jumping accident in Sao Paulo state, with preliminary reports indicating that a critical safety cord may not have been attached before she was launched from a bridge.Woman falls to her death in Brazil during bungee jumping activityThe victim, identified as Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, was participating in a rope-jumping activity at the Ponte de Esqueleto, or Skeleton Bridge, in the city of Limeira on 13 June. Witnesses told police that the organisers failed to secure the safety equipment before the jump, resulting in her falling approximately 40 metres.According to local reports and police accounts, Freitas had travelled to the site with her fiancé and was taking part in the extreme-sports activity when the accident occurred. Video footage circulating on social media appears to show her being prepared for the jump before onlookers realised that the safety cord had not been connected. Witnesses can reportedly be heard shouting warnings moments before she was launched.Emergency responders, including firefighters and paramedics, were dispatched to the scene, but Freitas was pronounced dead after suffering multiple injuries in the fall.The incident has sparked widespread concern in Brazil and renewed scrutiny of safety standards governing adventure sports activities. Authorities have detained six people linked to the organisation of the event. Local media reported that three individuals remain under investigation on suspicion of homicide with implied malice, a legal classification used when a person is deemed to have knowingly accepted a potentially fatal risk.Investigators are also examining whether the operation had the necessary authorisations and safety oversight required to conduct such activities. Reports in Brazilian media suggest the event may have been operating without proper approval.Freitas, a recent graduate in physical education and sports management, had shared photographs from the outing on social media shortly before the jump. In one post, she reportedly joked about the experience, writing: “Who was the crazy person who let me jump off a bridge?”The tragedy has prompted calls for stricter safety measures at adventure tourism sites across Brazil. Police said investigations remain ongoing as authorities work to establish exactly how the fatal error occurred and determine who may be held responsible.About the AuthorTrisha BhattacharyaTrisha Bhattacharya is a Senior Content Producer at Livemint, with over two years of experience covering entertainment news from India and beyond. She spends her days tracking what’s trending, breaking down pop culture moments, and turning fast-moving entertainment stories into sharp, engaging reads that actually make people want to click — and stay. She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Lucknow University, a background that shapes her love for layered narratives, strong voices, and stories that linger long after they’re told. Before joining Livemint, Trisha worked with India Today as an entertainment journalist and film critic. There, she reviewed films, covered industry news, and built a strong foundation in storytelling and cultural analysis. Trisha enjoys working at the intersection of media, culture, and audience interest, always looking for fresh angles and formats. Films, shows, and music are not just her beat but her biggest passion — something that naturally reflects in her writing. Whether it’s cinema, streaming shows, music, or internet trends, she approaches every story with curiosity and intent. Outside the job description, she’s unapologetically
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