THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW
DELHI, OCTOBER 17, 2026
The Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed science-based maximum residue
limits (MRLs) for two pesticides in tea, including a cap for acetamiprid that
is lower than the corresponding limits in Japan and the US, as part of its
efforts to strengthen consumer protection.
The draft Food Safety
and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2026,
published in the Gazette of India on October 16, propose a maximum residue
limit of 20 milligrams per kilogram (20 ppm) for acetamiprid and 50 mg/kg (50 ppm)
for imidacloprid in tea.
The proposed
standards, which are subject to finalisation, seek to provide clear regulatory
benchmarks for growers, processors, food businesses, testing laboratories and
enforcement agencies, enabling consistent monitoring and compliance with food
safety requirements.
The proposed
acetamiprid limit of 20 ppm is lower than the corresponding limits of 30 ppm in
Japan and 50 ppm in the United States. The imidacloprid limit has been
formulated with reference to international Codex standards, taking into account
India's food safety priorities and agricultural requirements.
The latest proposal
is part of FSSAI's broader exercise to review pesticide residue standards in
the light of scientific assessments, dietary exposure data and international
regulatory practices.
The Food Safety and
Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2024,
marked an earlier step in this process, while previous regulatory measures
included the delisting of 13 pesticides identified as having higher toxicity.
MRLs specify the
maximum legally permitted concentration of pesticide residues in food
commodities. They provide a measurable basis for regulatory monitoring and are
determined through scientific assessments of residue levels and potential
dietary exposure.
The proposed
framework also seeks to balance consumer safety with farmers' need for
effective crop protection. Appropriate pesticide use can help control pests,
reduce crop losses and sustain agricultural productivity, while compliance with
prescribed standards remains essential.
India's average pesticide use is less than 0.5 kg per hectare, significantly below the estimated global average of 2.38 kg per hectare, according to the figures cited in the proposal's background.
The proposed limits are expected to provide greater clarity to the tea industry and support responsible pesticide management. FSSAI's approach underscores the importance of science-led regulation, internationally informed standards and appropriate safeguards to maintain consumer confidence in the quality and safety of Indian tea.
