The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a groundbreaking project aimed at addressing the rising issue of microplastic contamination in food. According to a press release from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the initiative seeks to develop standard protocols for micro/nano-plastic analysis, conduct laboratory comparisons, and generate essential data on microplastic exposure among Indian consumers. This project, launched in March, underscores the pressing need to tackle microplastic pollution, which is increasingly recognized as an emerging threat to food safety and public health.
The study is being implemented in collaboration with renowned research institutions across India, including the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (Lucknow), the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (Kochi), and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (Pilani). These partnerships highlight the multi-disciplinary approach required to effectively address the complex issue of microplastic contamination in the food supply chain. The project's objectives are not just limited to analyzing microplastics but also involve developing validated methodologies for their detection in a wide range of food products.
FSSAI emphasizes that the findings from this research will play a critical role in shaping regulatory actions, thereby enhancing consumer safety. Additionally, the data generated will contribute to the global understanding of microplastic contamination, positioning Indian research as a significant contributor to the worldwide effort in combating this environmental challenge. The importance of such studies has been underlined by recent reports from global bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organisation, which revealed the presence of microplastics in everyday food items such as salt and sugar. While these studies highlight the widespread prevalence of microplastics, they also point to the need for more region-specific data to fully grasp the implications for human health, especially within India.
FSSAI’s initiative is poised to fill this gap by generating reliable data that is specific to Indian food matrices. The regulator reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe and healthy food for all consumers in India. Through this project, FSSAI aims to understand the extent of microplastic contamination in Indian food products and guide the formulation of effective regulations and safety standards. The outcomes of this project are expected to set the groundwork for informed decisions that prioritize public health in India.