FSSAI Launches Project to Tackle Microplastic Contamination in Food

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated a project to investigate microplastic contamination in food. The project aims to develop methods for detecting micro and nano-plastics and assess their prevalence in Indian food products. It involves collaboration with top research institutions and aims to ensure food safety for Indian consumers.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has embarked on a groundbreaking project to address the growing issue of microplastic contamination in food products. Recognizing the urgency of the matter, the initiative aims to develop and validate methods for detecting micro and nano-plastics in various food items.

Launched in March this year, the project, titled 'Micro-and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants: Establishing Validated Methodologies and Understanding the Prevalence in Different Food Matrices,' intends to assess the prevalence and exposure levels of these contaminants in India. FSSAI's primary objectives include standardizing analytical protocols and generating critical data on microplastic exposure among consumers.

This effort involves collaboration with leading research institutions like the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, and Birla Institute of Technology and Science. The findings will not only guide regulatory actions in India but also contribute to the global understanding of microplastic contamination in food.

(With inputs from agencies.)