The project aims to develop analytical methods and gather data to safeguard public health and ensure food safety
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has identified microplastic contamination as an emerging threat and launched a project to address this growing concern in the nation’s food supply. The initiative, titled ‘Micro-and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants: Establishing Validated Methodologies and Understanding the Prevalence in Different Food Matrices,’ began in March this year.
FSSAI aims to evaluate the prevalence and exposure levels of micro- and nano plastics in Indian food products. The project’s primary objectives include developing standard protocols for micro/nano-plastic analysis, conducting intra- and inter-laboratory comparisons, and generating critical data on microplastic exposure levels among Indian consumers.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving top research institutes such as the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology in Kochi, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani, and the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research in Lucknow.
FSSAI highlighted that the project would provide valuable insights into the extent of microplastic contamination in Indian food, which is crucial for the development of effective regulations and safety standards. The regulator also noted that while global studies have detected microplastics in various food items, it is essential to generate reliable data specific to India to understand the implications for public health fully.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has recently drawn attention to the presence of microplastics in everyday food items like salt and sugar. The FSSAI acknowledged this report, stating that it underscores the global prevalence of microplastics while also emphasising the need for robust data to assess their impact on human health, particularly within the Indian context.
With this project, FSSAI reinforces its commitment to ensuring that Indian consumers have access to wholesome and safe food, addressing a critical issue that could affect the health and well-being of millions.