The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated a significant project to address the growing concern of microplastic contamination in Indian food products. The project, titled “Micro- and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants: Establishing Validated Methodologies and Understanding the Prevalence in Different Food Matrices,” was launched in March and marks a proactive step towards safeguarding public health.
The primary goal of the project is to develop and validate methods for detecting micro- and nanoplastics in various food items. By collaborating with leading research institutions such as 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, FSSAI aims to assess the prevalence of these contaminants and their potential impact on consumers.
An official statement from FSSAI highlighted the project’s focus on generating critical data on microplastic exposure levels among Indian consumers. This data will help guide the formulation of effective regulations and safety standards to ensure that food products in India remain safe for consumption.
FSSAI’s initiative comes in response to growing global concerns about microplastic pollution, which has been found in common food items such as sugar and salt. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recently emphasized the need for more robust data to fully understand the implications of microplastic contamination on human health, particularly in the Indian context.
By undertaking this project, FSSAI aims not only to protect public health in India but also to contribute to the global understanding of microplastic contamination. The findings are expected to play a crucial role in shaping future regulatory actions and ensuring the safety and health of consumers.
As the project progresses, FSSAI remains committed to its mission of providing safe and healthy food to Indian consumers, reinforcing its role as a key player in the fight against food contamination.