Plastic ban in Vijayawada falters as food sector escapes scrutiny
While VMC teams actively raid retail outlets and street vendors, seizing banned plastic items, roadside food joints and budget eateries routinely use low-grade recycled sheets for serving and packaging meals—an issue largely ignored by enforcement teams.
According to health experts, these plastic sheets — often less than 30 microns in thickness — pose serious health hazards. "They are made from recycled materials and are not food-grade.
When hot food is packed in them, harmful chemicals can leach into the food, leading to microplastic ingestion and long-term health risks such as hormonal disruption and even carcinogenic effects," warned Dr V Bhagya Raji, a city-based physician.
Despite these dangers, street vendors and budget eateries continue to use them openly. The reason? These plastic sheets are cheap and easily available in local markets.
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In contrast, eco-friendly alternatives like banana leaves or Vistari Aaku (dried leaf plates) are considered expensive and less convenient, especially for smaller food operators working on tight margins.
Ironically, even while plastic bags and straws are being seized and fines imposed, there is no visible action against those serving food items in cheap plastic covers.
Environmental activists have also pointed out the inconsistency in enforcement. "The VMC must either implement the ban in full spirit or acknowledge that enforcement is flawed. Selective targeting will only undermine public trust and environmental safety," said K Naveen Kumar, an activist at Save Nature Society.
Health wing authorities at VMC said that they focused on identifying the cheaper eco-friendly alternatives for the plastic food packaging material and will start a special drive shortly to seize stocks of plastic bags and sheets.
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