New Delhi, Oct 17: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed new maximum residue limits (MRLs) for two pesticides used in tea cultivation, seeking to establish science-based standards for food safety while addressing agricultural requirements.
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 parts per million (ppm) for acetamiprid and 50 ppm for imidacloprid in tea.
The proposed limit for acetamiprid is lower than the corresponding limits of 30 ppm in Japan and 50 ppm in the United States, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The proposed imidacloprid limit has been formulated with reference to international Codex standards.
The draft regulations are intended to provide clearly defined benchmarks for monitoring pesticide residues, ensuring compliance and strengthening enforcement. The proposals are subject to finalisation following stakeholder consultation.
FSSAI said the initiative forms part of its broader effort to review pesticide residue standards in light of scientific assessments, international regulatory practices and India’s agricultural requirements.
Earlier measures included the delisting of 13 pesticides identified as having higher toxicity. The authority also referred to the 2024 amendment regulations as an important step in the ongoing review of maximum residue limits.
Maximum residue limits specify the highest legally permitted concentration of pesticide residues in food commodities. They are established using scientific assessments that consider residue data, dietary exposure and relevant safety considerations.
The proposed framework seeks to balance consumer protection with the need for effective pest management in tea cultivation. Appropriate crop-protection measures help farmers control pests, minimise crop losses and maintain agricultural productivity.
India’s average pesticide use stands at less than 0.5 kg per hectare, significantly below the estimated global average of 2.38 kg per hectare, the ministry said.
The proposed standards are expected to provide greater regulatory clarity to tea growers, processors, food businesses, testing laboratories and enforcement authorities, while promoting responsible pesticide management.
FSSAI has invited stakeholder comments on the draft amendment before its finalisation. The initiative underscores the regulator’s stated focus on evidence-based standards, consumer safety and sustainable agricultural practices.
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