The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched an innovative project to tackle the growing concern of microplastic contamination in food in New Delhi. Recognising microplastic pollution as an emerging threat, the project was started in March this year to develop and validate analytical methods for detecting micro and nanoplastics in various food products.
FSSAI said the primary objectives of the project include developing standard protocols for micro- and nanoplastic analysis, conducting intra- and inter-laboratory comparisons, and generating critical data on microplastic exposure levels among consumers.
In a recent report, the Food and Agriculture Organisation has highlighted the presence of microplastics in common food items such as sugar and salt.
The food safety regulator of the country, FSSAI, says it is committed to ensuring that Indian consumers have access to safe and healthy food.
