Microplastics in All Indian Salt and Sugar Brands, Study Finds; FSSAI Launches New Project To Combat Contamination
Microplastics in All Indian Salt and Sugar Brands, Study Finds; FSSAI Launches New Project To Combat Contamination
A recent study has revealed that all Indian salt and sugar brands, whether large or small, contain microplastics. The research, titled “Microplastics in Salt and Sugar,” was conducted by the environmental organization Toxics Link. It tested 10 types of salt, including table salt, rock salt, sea salt, and local raw salt, as well as five types of sugar from both online and local markets. The study found microplastics in all samples, in forms such as fibers, pellets, films, and fragments. These microplastics ranged in size from 0.1 mm to 5 mm.
In response to these findings, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a new project to address the issue. Named “Micro-and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants: Establishing Validated Methodologies and Understanding the Prevalence in Different Food Matrices,” the project aims to tackle microplastic contamination in food. Launched in March this year, the project focuses on developing and validating methods for detecting micro and nano-plastics in various food products and assessing their prevalence in India.
The project will involve collaboration with leading research institutions such as CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (Lucknow), ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (Kochi), and Birla Institute of Technology and Science (Pilani). Its objectives include developing standard protocols for microplastic analysis, conducting lab comparisons, and generating crucial data on consumer exposure levels.
The project is expected to enhance understanding of microplastic contamination in Indian food and contribute to global efforts to combat this environmental challenge.
