What are microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, often less than 5mm in size, found in the environment, including food.

Why is FSSAI studying microplastics in food?

FSSAI aims to assess the prevalence of microplastics in Indian foods to establish safety standards and protect public health.

Which foods are most likely to contain microplastics?

According to global studies, foods like salt, sugar, and seafood may contain microplastics, but specific data for India is being gathered.

What is the objective of FSSAI's microplastic contamination project?

The project aims to develop validated methods for detecting micro and nano plastics in food and understanding the extent of contamination in India.

Which research institutions are collaborating with FSSAI on this project?

FSSAI is working with CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, and Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani.

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FSSAI Launches Project To Address Microplastic Contamination In Indian Food Products

Komal Bajpai

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Updated: 02-03-2026 at 3:30 PM

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500K+ Users

The issue of microplastic contamination in food in India is rapidly emerging as a serious public health and environmental concern. Tiny plastic particles have entered oceans, soil, air and, increasingly, the food chain. Recognising the potential risks, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India initiative has launched a structured research programme to understand, detect and regulate microplastics in food.

Through its dedicated FSSAI microplastics project, the national food regulator aims to generate India-specific scientific evidence, develop validated testing protocols and strengthen food contamination regulations in India. This long-term initiative reflects growing awareness of the impact of microplastics on food safety in India and the urgent need for reliable data.

Overview

The table below summarises the key details of the initiative so you can quickly understand its scope, objectives and expected outcomes.

Aspect	Details
Project Name	“Micro- and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants”
Launched By	Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
Start Date	March (Current Year)
Primary Aim	Develop validated methods for detecting microplastics in food
Key Focus	Prevalence in different food matrices & exposure assessment
Collaborating Institutions	CSIR-IITR Lucknow, ICAR-CIFT Kochi, BITS Pilani
Outcome Expected	Strengthened food contamination regulations in India
Public Health Goal	Reduce microplastic contamination in food in India

This overview highlights how FSSAI is addressing microplastic contamination through structured research and collaboration.

What Is The FSSAI Microplastics Project About?

The FSSAI microplastics project is officially titled “Micro- and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants: Establishing Validated Methodologies and Understanding the Prevalence in Different Food Matrices.” It began in March and represents one of India’s most comprehensive studies on microplastics in Indian food products.

The core objectives include:

Developing validated scientific methods for detecting microplastics and nanoplastics.
Measuring their presence across various food categories.
Assessing dietary exposure levels among Indian consumers.
Generating scientific data for policymaking.

Unlike global reports that provide broad estimates, this project specifically focuses on microplastic contamination in food in India, ensuring that regulatory actions are based on domestic evidence.

By standardising microplastic testing in Indian food products, FSSAI aims to create a uniform national benchmark.

Why Is This Important?

International organisations, including the FAO and WHO, have raised concerns about microplastics entering the food chain. Studies have found microplastics in salt, sugar, bottled water, seafood and even packaged foods. However, most findings reflect global averages and not India-specific conditions.

India has unique environmental, agricultural and industrial patterns. Therefore, understanding Indian food safety microplastics requires localised research. Without accurate domestic data, regulators cannot effectively frame food contamination regulations in India.

The importance of the project lies in:

Establishing India-specific contamination levels.
Identifying high-risk food categories.
Protecting vulnerable populations such as children.
Supporting long-term public health strategies.

The impact of microplastics on food safety in India could extend beyond immediate toxicity concerns. Researchers are studying whether microplastics may carry harmful chemicals, heavy metals or pathogens into the body.

Thus, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India initiative represents a proactive step rather than a reactive response.

Collaboration With Top Research Institutions

To execute this technically demanding project, FSSAI has partnered with premier Indian research institutions. This collaborative approach strengthens credibility and scientific rigour.

Key Partner Institutions

The following institutions are contributing to the FSSAI microplastics project:

CSIR–Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (Lucknow)
ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (Kochi)
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani.

These institutions are working on:

Developing standardised laboratory testing protocols.
Conducting inter-laboratory validation studies.
Generating exposure data for risk assessment.
Analysing different food matrices such as salt, seafood, grains and processed foods.

By involving multidisciplinary experts, FSSAI ensures robust microplastic testing in Indian food products. This strengthens confidence in the data that will eventually inform food contamination regulations in India.

Understanding Microplastics In Indian Food Products

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres. Nanoplastics are even smaller and often invisible to the naked eye. They originate from:

Degradation of plastic waste.
Synthetic fibres from textiles.
Industrial discharge.
Packaging materials.
Tyre wear and road dust.

These particles can enter water bodies, agricultural soil and marine ecosystems. Consequently, they may appear in:

Salt (especially sea salt).
Seafood and fish.
Packaged drinking water.
Honey and sugar.
Agricultural produce.

The rising presence of microplastics in Indian food products has heightened concerns about long-term exposure. The FSSAI microplastics project seeks to quantify this exposure accurately.

How FSSAI Is Addressing Microplastic Contamination?

FSSAI’s approach includes the following pointers to address the microplastic contamination:-

Method Development – Establishing reliable detection and quantification techniques.
Prevalence Studies – Mapping contamination levels across food categories.
Exposure Assessment – Estimating how much microplastic an average Indian consumes.
Risk Evaluation – Studying toxicological implications.
Regulatory Framework Development – Updating food contamination regulations in India if required.

By combining laboratory research with policy planning, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India initiative integrates science with governance.

Impact On Public Health

Scientific research worldwide suggests potential risks linked to microplastic ingestion. Although research is ongoing, possible concerns include:

Inflammatory responses in the digestive system.
Chemical leaching from plastic additives.
Bioaccumulation of toxins.
Interaction with gut microbiota.

While definitive health effects remain under study, precautionary action is essential. The impact of microplastics on food safety in India may vary depending on exposure levels, food habits and environmental conditions.

India’s population exceeds 1.4 billion. Even low contamination levels could translate into significant cumulative exposure. Hence, the FSSAI microplastics project adopts a preventive public health approach.

Strengthening Indian Food Safety Microplastics Regulations

India’s food safety laws operate under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. However, microplastics are relatively new contaminants and not yet fully regulated with defined permissible limits.

Data generated through this research will support:

Evidence-based policymaking.
Possible threshold limit definitions.
Industry compliance guidelines.
Updated packaging standards.
Improved waste management linkages.

The study’s findings may shape future food contamination regulations in India, specifically targeting microplastic contamination in food in India.

By generating credible data, FSSAI can align India’s standards with global best practices while addressing local realities.

Microplastic Testing In Indian Food Products: Building Scientific Capacity

Testing for microplastics is technically complex. It requires advanced instruments such as:

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
Raman spectroscopy.
Microscopic imaging systems.
Filtration and digestion methods.

Standardisation is crucial. Without validated protocols, test results may vary across laboratories. The FSSAI microplastics project focuses on creating harmonised national methods for microplastic testing in Indian food products.

This initiative strengthens India’s scientific capacity in environmental toxicology and food safety monitoring.

Broader Environmental And Policy Implications

The problem of microplastic contamination in food in India connects directly to plastic waste management. India generates millions of tonnes of plastic waste annually. While recycling rates are improving, leakage into water bodies and soil remains a challenge.

This research could indirectly influence:

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies.
Sustainable packaging initiatives.
Waste segregation drives.
Public awareness campaigns.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India initiative thus bridges food safety with environmental governance.

What Will This Project Achieve?

The expected outcomes of the FSSAI microplastics project include:

National baseline data on microplastics in food.
Risk assessment for Indian consumers.
Evidence-backed regulatory reforms.
Improved industry compliance.
Greater public awareness of Indian food safety and microplastics issues.

By understanding contamination levels and exposure pathways, authorities can better manage the impact of microplastics on food safety in India.

Ultimately, this project strengthens trust in India’s food regulatory system.

Conclusion

The launch of the FSSAI microplastics project marks a significant milestone in addressing microplastic contamination in food in India. Through scientific research, institutional collaboration and regulatory foresight, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India initiative demonstrates proactive leadership in safeguarding public health.

By standardising microplastic testing in Indian food products, generating exposure data and strengthening food contamination regulations in India, FSSAI is laying the groundwork for safer food systems.

As concerns around microplastics in Indian food products grow globally, India’s research-driven approach ensures that policy decisions remain evidence-based, transparent and protective of consumer health.

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