FSSAI Sets New Pesticide Residue Limits in Tea, Impact on Consumer Experience

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued draft regulations to set maximum residue limits (MRL) for two major pesticides in tea – Acetamiprid and Imidacloprid. This proposal aims to balance crop protection and food safety, ensuring consumers receive safe and quality tea.

Proposed Maximum Residue Limits

The draft of the ‘Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2026’ by FSSAI specifies the following limits:

• Acetamiprid – 20 mg/kg (20 ppm)
• Imidacloprid – 50 mg/kg (50 ppm)

These limits are intended to establish clear regulatory standards for pesticide residues, facilitating monitoring, compliance, and enforcement.

Scientific Basis and International Comparison

The limits are based on scientific assessments considering pesticide residue data, dietary intake levels, and safety factors. The proposed 20 ppm limit for Acetamiprid is lower than Japan’s 30 ppm and the USA’s 50 ppm, indicating Indian tea may be safer than international benchmarks. The Imidacloprid limit is set in accordance with Codex standards.

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Why Is This Step Necessary?

In 2024, FSSAI reviewed maximum limits for several pesticides based on scientific data and global practices, removing 13 highly toxic pesticides from the list. The new proposed limits acknowledge effective pest management in agriculture, allowing farmers to protect crops, reduce losses, and maintain productivity. India’s average pesticide use is 0.5 kg/hectare, significantly below the global average of 2.38 kg/hectare.

Stakeholders Affected

This regulatory change will provide clear guidelines to tea producers, processors, food traders, testing laboratories, and enforcement authorities. Consumers are likely to benefit from tea with lower pesticide residues, reducing health risks.

Next Steps

The proposed regulations are currently in draft form and will undergo public consultation and expert review before finalization. Once finalized, the new limits will be incorporated into regulatory standards and enforced through regular inspections.

Key Points

• FSSAI has proposed maximum residue limits of 20 ppm for Acetamiprid and 50 ppm for Imidacloprid in tea.
• The limits are based on scientific evaluation and international standards.
• This step balances consumer safety, regulatory clarity, and pest management in agriculture.
• The proposal is in draft stage; public consultation will precede finalization.