The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to combat the rising issue of microplastic contamination in the Indian food supply. Announced today, the project, titled “Micro-and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants: Establishing Validated Methodologies and Understanding the Prevalence in Different Food Matrices,” aims to develop and standardize methods for detecting micro and nano-plastics in food products, while also assessing their prevalence and potential risks to consumers.

The initiative, which began in March, is being conducted in collaboration with prominent research institutions across India, 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). These institutions will work together to create standardized protocols for analyzing micro and nano-plastics, conduct intra- and inter-laboratory comparisons, and generate crucial data on microplastic exposure among Indian consumers.

The growing concern around microplastic pollution in food has been underscored by a recent report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which identified microplastics in common food items such as sugar and salt. While the global prevalence of microplastics is well-documented, there is an urgent need for data specific to India to better understand the implications for human health and safety in the country.

The results of this study are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping future regulatory actions and enhancing food safety measures, making Indian research a key component in the international effort to address the environmental and health challenges posed by microplastics.