Representative image NEW DELHI: A bowling-themed birthday cake that had delighted three-year-old Reyaansh from Thane during a family celebration May 31 turned into a nightmare when the toddler unknowingly swallowed two metal wires hidden inside decorative cake toppers. The following day, which was his actual birthday, the family found itself in hospital instead of celebrating after scans revealed the pieces had travelled to the child’s intestine.For nearly 48 hours, Reyaansh’s family anxiously waited as doctors monitored the movement of the wires, fearing they could cause internal injury or require surgery. The objects were eventually excreted naturally, sparing the child an operation.Less than two weeks later, food regulator FSSAI has ordered an immediate halt to use of metallic pins, wires and similar materials in food products and packaging, citing the risk of accidental ingestion and injury.What FSSAI has prohibitedThe nationwide advisory, issued by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on June 12, follows reports of metallic pins and wires being found in cakes and attached to food packets. “There exists a significant risk that such pins may inadvertently be consumed by consumers, resulting in injury and adverse health consequences,” FSSAI said in its advisory.The order covers use of metallic pins, wires and similar materials for sealing, fastening, securing or packaging food items, including bakery products, sweet boxes, snack pouches, takeaway meals and other packaged foods.Food businesses have been directed to discontinue the practice with immediate effect and adopt safer alternatives for packaging and sealing. The regulator warned that non-compliance could invite penal action under provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and regulations framed under it.The advisory has been circulated to food business operators and food safety commissioners across states and UTs for enforcement.The move is expected to accelerate a shift towards heat-sealed packaging, adhesive seals and other food-safe fastening methods while reducing the risk of accidental ingestion of metallic objects.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong Leaders Demand Accountability, Apology From US After Three Indian Sailors Killed In StrikeRubio Tells EAM All Vessels Must Follow US Orders In Hormuz; India Protests Death Of 3 MarinersKalyan Banerjee Targets Rebel TMC Leaders: ‘If TMC Wins In 2029, Will They Resign?’Joint Tribes’ Council Accuses Kuki Cadres Of Killing Six Naga Captives, Seeks Immediate ArrestsCentre’s High-Level Committee On Demographic Changes Begins Work With Focus On Border RegionsYogi Orders FIR Over Remarks on Akhilesh’s Daughter, Says No Insult Against Women Is AcceptableHyderabad Cadet Nidhi Makes History With AIR 6, Fulfills Father’s Dream Of Serving The NationAssam Notifies New Excise Rules With Stricter Liquor Norms And Support For Indigenous BeveragesGovernment Appoints Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth As Next Army Chief, To Take Charge On June 30India, France Expected To Deepen Defence Cooperation With Focus On Submarines And Fighter Jets123Photostories6 most prestigious residential neighbourhoods in Thane for homebuyersNot every cancer begins with pain: Doctors reveal the everyday symptoms people often ignore for too longCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for $1 a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a house123Hot PicksHardeep SinghUS Trade DealBullet Train ProjectBeijing ProtestYogi AdityanathPM ModiSpaceX IPORohit SharmaFortnite Gold Sprite Power Hour Start TimingTop TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result
NEW DELHI: A bowling-themed birthday cake that had delighted three-year-old Reyaansh from Thane during a family celebration May 31 turned into a nightmare when the toddler unknowingly swallowed two metal wires hidden inside decorative cake toppers. The following day, which was his actual birthday, the family found itself in hospital instead of celebrating after scans revealed the pieces had travelled to the child’s intestine.For nearly 48 hours, Reyaansh’s family anxiously waited as doctors monitored the movement of the wires, fearing they could cause internal injury or require surgery. The objects were eventually excreted naturally, sparing the child an operation.Less than two weeks later, food regulator FSSAI has ordered an immediate halt to use of metallic pins, wires and similar materials in food products and packaging, citing the risk of accidental ingestion and injury.
What FSSAI has prohibited
The nationwide advisory, issued by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on June 12, follows reports of metallic pins and wires being found in cakes and attached to food packets. “There exists a significant risk that such pins may inadvertently be consumed by consumers, resulting in injury and adverse health consequences,” FSSAI said in its advisory.The order covers use of metallic pins, wires and similar materials for sealing, fastening, securing or packaging food items, including bakery products, sweet boxes, snack pouches, takeaway meals and other packaged foods.Food businesses have been directed to discontinue the practice with immediate effect and adopt safer alternatives for packaging and sealing. The regulator warned that non-compliance could invite penal action under provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and regulations framed under it.The advisory has been circulated to food business operators and food safety commissioners across states and UTs for enforcement.The move is expected to accelerate a shift towards heat-sealed packaging, adhesive seals and other food-safe fastening methods while reducing the risk of accidental ingestion of metallic objects.
