FSSAI

1. FSSAI's Initiative to Combat Microplastic Contamination in Indian Food Microplastics (MPs) have become a significant global concern due to their widespread presence in various food items. Recently, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) raised the alarm over the prevalence of MPs in everyday products like sugar and salt, which are staples in diets worldwide. These tiny pollutants, often invisible to the naked eye, pose serious health risks, making it imperative for food regulatory bodies to act swiftly. Recognizing this growing menace, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a new initiative in collaboration with leading research institutions: the CSIR- Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR) in Lucknow, the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) in Kochi, and Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS Pilani). This project is set to revolutionize the detection and analysis of microplastics in Indian food, ensuring that consumers—both domestic and international—are protected from potential health hazards. Key Objectives of the Initiative The FSSAI initiative focuses on three primary goals: 1.Developing Standard Protocols for MP/Nano-Plastic Analysis: To ensure uniformity in testing, FSSAI aims to create standardized methods for detecting MPs and nanoplastics in food products. These protocols will be crucial for laboratories providing food testing services across the country, enabling accurate detection of contaminants. 2.Intra & Inter-Laboratory Comparisons: By conducting comparisons between laboratories, FSSAI ensures consistency in testing methods. This helps labs like Efrac Lab, a leader in food testing services, to adopt and implement these protocols, ensuring their testing methods are aligned with the latest standards. 3.Generating Data on MP Exposure: The project also seeks to gather critical data on how much microplastic consumers are exposed to through their diet. This information will play a key role in understanding the extent of contamination and guiding future regulatory measures. Outcomes and Broader Impact The outcomes of this initiative are expected to provide a clearer picture of the level of MP contamination in Indian food. With this data, FSSAI can develop and enforce effective safety standards, ensuring that Indian food products meet stringent health regulations. Furthermore, this project will contribute to global efforts to combat microplastic contamination by sharing insights and data with international regulatory bodies. Laboratories such as Efrac Lab, which provide advanced food testing services, are integral to this initiative. By adopting these standardized protocols, they ensure that food products are rigorously tested for contaminants, playing a crucial role in the battle against microplastic pollution. Efrac Lab’s expertise in food testing services ensures that food products are not only safe for consumption but also meet international health standards. This initiative marks a significant step forward in safeguarding public health, reinforcing India’s commitment to providing safe and healthy food to consumers worldwide.