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Ecology & Environment
Mahesh

19/08/24 11:35 AM IST

FSSAI Launches Project to Address Microplastic Contamination in Indian Food

In News
  • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) launched an innovative project to tackle the growing concern of microplastic contamination in food recently in New Delhi.
Objectives of the project
  • 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.
  • This study is being implemented in collaboration with leading research institutions across the country, 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).
  • In a recent report, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlighted the presence of microplastics in common food items such as sugar and salt.
  • While the report underscores the global prevalence of microplastics, it also emphasizes the need for more robust data to fully understand the implications for human health and safety, particularly in the Indian context.
  • As the food safety regulator of the country, FSSAI is committed to ensuring that Indian consumers have access to safe and healthy food.
  • While global studies have highlighted the presence of microplastics in various foods, it is imperative to generate reliable data specific to India.
  • This project will help understand the extent of microplastic contamination in Indian food and guide the formulation of effective regulations and safety standards to protect public health.
Source- PIB

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