Microplastic contamination in food: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken a serious view of detecting harmful microplastics (fine plastic particles) in food items and has planned to take action on this. Let us tell you that recently, a study by Toxic Link has found the presence of microplastics in all kinds of salt and sugar brands in the country.
After this revelation, FSSAI has decided to make an action plan to protect the public from the particles of this dangerous chemical in food items (food safety).
Microplastics were found in every sample of salt and sugar
According to a PTI report, this study has been named Microplastics in Salt and Sugar. In this study, about ten types of salt including table salt, rock salt, sea salt, local salt were tested. Along with this, five types of sugar were also tested which were purchased online and from local markets. The study said that microplastics were present in all salt and sugar samples. Microplastics are present in these food items in the form of fibers, pellets, films and fragments. The size of these microplastic particles ranged from 0.1 mm to 5 mm.
A project will be created regarding the presence of microplastics in food
Taking this study seriously, FSSAI has announced to work on an action plan to detect microplastics in food items and make the public aware about this. Under this plan, a standard protocol will be prepared by analyzing the presence of micro-nano-plastics in food items.
This planning includes comparing food items in intra and inter laboratories and running a campaign to tell the public about the dangers of microplastics. Let us tell you that in view of the increasing danger of microplastics in food items, a joint study is also being conducted by CSIR, ICAR, Indian Institute of Toxicology Research Lucknow, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology Kochi and Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani.
Based on this study, FSSAI will ensure that the citizens of the country get healthy and proper food. With the help of this study and project, reliable data will be prepared regarding the level and role of microplastics in food items. This new scheme will try to understand the limit of the presence of microplastics in Indian food and through this, rules and regulations can be prepared keeping in mind the health of Indians.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.
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