FSSAI Launches Project to Combat Microplastic Contamination in Food

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated a project to address microplastic contamination in food. The project aims to establish standard protocols and generate data on microplastic exposure. Implemented with top research institutions, the findings will aid in regulatory actions and global understanding of this issue.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched an innovative project to tackle the increasing issue of microplastic contamination in food, according to a Ministry of Health and Family Welfare press release. The initiative aims to develop standard protocols for micro/nano-plastic analysis and generate critical data on microplastic exposure among consumers.

The study is being conducted in collaboration with leading Indian research institutions including the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research in Lucknow, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology in Kochi, and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani. The project findings are expected to guide regulatory actions and contribute to a global understanding of microplastic contamination, positioning Indian research as crucial in combating this environmental challenge.

A recent Food and Agriculture Organisation report underscores the presence of microplastics in everyday food items like sugar and salt while highlighting the need for more robust data to understand human health implications, especially in India. The FSSAI states its commitment to ensuring safe and healthy food for Indian consumers. The project's goal is to generate reliable India-specific data on microplastic contamination, leading to the development of effective regulations and safety standards.