4 min readNew DelhiApr 2, 2026 03:00 PM IST
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued a fresh warning against consuming fruits and vegetables with stickers applied to them. The statutory body under the administration of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, highlighted that the adhesive residue left behind by these stickers is not fit for consumption and poses a health risk.
“Think twice before biting the fruit sticker! While fruit and vegetable stickers are common, the adhesives used to keep them in place can leave behind residues that aren’t meant for consumption,” they mentioned in caption of their latest social media post. To ensure the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, they also recommended peeling fruits and vegetables with stickers.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
What can happen if you bite the sticker?
Dr Brunda MS, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, explained that these stickers are used only for labelling and may contain glue, ink, and other materials that are not safe to eat. “If a person accidentally consumes a small piece, it is usually not very harmful, but it is still not recommended,” she said.
According to her, the chemicals present in the adhesive or ink can sometimes irritate the stomach or throat. “Some people may feel mild discomfort, nausea, or slight digestive issues after swallowing such materials. In rare cases, especially in children or older adults, there could be a small risk of choking,” she elaborated.
Wash your veggies thoroughly. (Source: Freepik)
Dr Brunda also pointed out that regularly consuming such non-food items may also expose the body to unwanted chemicals over time. “It is important to understand that even if the glue is labeled as food-grade, it does not mean the sticker is meant to be eaten,” she reiterated, adding that washing fruits and vegetables properly and removing stickers before eating can help avoid this risk.
Wash your veggies right
According to FSSAI guidelines, here’s a quick guide to washing fruits and vegetables:
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- Keep the fruits and vegetables bought from vendors in the packets themselves in an isolated place.
- Wash the fruits and vegetables thoroughly or put a drop of 50ppm chlorine in warm water and dip them in it.
- Wash them with potable or clean drinking water.
- Do not use disinfectants, cleaning wipes or soap on fresh produce.
- Keep the fruits and vegetables that require refrigeration in the refrigerator. Keep the rest at room temperature in baskets or racks.
- Do not store or leave food outside the house in cars or garages to avoid food safety risks such as temperature abuse or pest exposure.
- Clean the sink and platform where food items have been washed. Do not let the drip fall on the floor or else you must wipe it immediately.
- And for food packages, sanitise or disinfect by wiping them with an alcohol-based solution or by washing with soap and clean water.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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