FSSAI launches project to tackle microplastic contamination in food

The objective is to develop and validate analytical techniques for detecting micro and nano-plastics in different food products and to evaluate their prevalence and exposure levels in India. This project will help gauge the level of microplastic contamination in Indian food and assist in establishing effective regulations and safety standards to protect public health.

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a pioneering project to address the issue of microplastic contamination in food. Recognizing microplastic pollution as a pressing concern, FSSAI has initiated the project titled “Micro-and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants: Establishing Validated Methodologies and Understanding the Prevalence in Different Food Matrices.”

Started in March this year, the project aims to develop and validate methods for detecting micro and nano-plastics in various food products and to assess their prevalence and exposure levels in India. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with prominent research institutions across the country, including the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (Lucknow), ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (Kochi), and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (Pilani).

“The primary objectives of the project include developing standard protocols for micro/nano-plastic analysis, conducting intra- and inter-laboratory comparisons, and generating critical data on microplastic exposure levels among consumers,” FSSAI stated.

FSSAI highlighted a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that has identified the presence of microplastics in common food items such as sugar and salt. 

Emphasizing its commitment to ensuring safe and healthy food for Indian consumers, FSSAI stressed the need for reliable, India-specific data despite existing global studies on microplastic contamination. The project’s outcomes will not only guide regulatory measures but also enhance the global understanding of microplastic contamination.