India launches project to fight microplastic contamination in food

NEW DELHI: India’s food safety authorities have launched a new project to address the rising issue of microplastic contamination in food. This initiative follows a report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which highlighted the presence of microplastics in common food items like sugar and salt.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated this project to tackle the global problem of microplastics in food. The project, titled “Micro-Plastics and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants: Establishing Validated Methodologies and Understanding the Prevalence in Different Food Matrices,” aims to create standardized methods for detecting micro and nano-plastics, compare results across different labs, and collect important data on consumer exposure levels.

The goal is to develop protocols that will help identify and control microplastic contamination in both food imports to India and exports from the country. The findings from this project will be used to establish regulations and safety standards to safeguard public health.

Also read: Positive Parenting: Helping Your Child Adjust to a New School

The FSSAI has emphasized that this research will also contribute to global efforts to understand and combat microplastic contamination. By making Indian research a key part of this global issue, the project aims to enhance worldwide knowledge and help address this environmental challenge effectively.

Microplastics pose significant risks to both human health and the environment. Ingested through food, water, or air, microplastics can cause physical harm such as inflammation and tissue damage. They can also carry toxic chemicals absorbed from the environment, potentially leading to serious health issues like cancer or reproductive problems. The impact on human health is still being studied, but the presence of these tiny particles in our bodies raises serious concerns.

In the environment, microplastics harm wildlife by being ingested, causing blockages, malnutrition, and even death. They disrupt ecosystems and affect the health of various species. Moreover, microplastics can accumulate in the food chain, leading to food safety concerns as they are consumed by larger predators, including humans. Their persistence in the environment means they remain a long-term pollution problem, making effective management and reduction crucial for protecting both ecosystems and human health.

Also read: Over 77 million children, adolescents in MENA suffer from malnutrition: UNICEF

Moreover, in a recent study, packaged food and drinks from India have been ranked the least healthy in a global assessment, highlighting concerns about their nutritional quality. This ranking underscores the need for improvements in the formulation and regulation of these products to address issues like high sugar, salt, and unhealthy fat content. The findings point to a broader issue of dietary health and emphasize the importance of adopting healthier practices and standards in the food industry to better protect public health and align with global nutritional guidelines.