FSSAI launches project to tackle microplastic contamination in food products

FSSAI food safety standards: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched an ambitious project aimed at addressing the growing concern of microplastic contamination in food products. Recognising the increasing threat posed by microplastic pollution, FSSAI is focusing on developing robust methods for detecting these contaminants and understanding their prevalence in the Indian food supply.

According to an official statement, the project titled "Micro-and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants: Establishing Validated Methodologies and Understanding the Prevalence in Different Food Matrices" was initiated in March this year. The initiative aims to create and validate analytical methods for detecting micro and nano-plastics in various food products, as well as to assess their prevalence and the level of exposure to these contaminants in India.

"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.

This comprehensive study is being carried out in collaboration with leading research institutions across the country, including the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research in Lucknow, the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology in Kochi, and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani.

FSSAI also highlighted that a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) pointed out the presence of microplastics in common food items such as sugar and salt. "While the report underscores the global prevalence of microplastics, it also emphasises the need for more robust data to fully understand the implications for human health and safety, particularly in the Indian context," the regulator noted.

The FSSAI reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Indian consumers have access to safe and healthy food. While global studies have identified microplastics in various food products, the regulator stressed the importance of generating reliable, India-specific data to address this issue effectively.

"This project will help us understand the extent of microplastic contamination in Indian food and guide the formulation of effective regulations and safety standards to protect public health," FSSAI stated.

The findings from this project are expected to inform not only regulatory actions within India but also contribute to the global understanding of microplastic contamination in food products.

(With PTI inputs.)