FSSAI Proposes Limits for Two Pesticide Residues in Tea

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed regulatory limits for residues of acetamiprid and imidacloprid in tea, according to a Central Government release issued on October 17, 2026.

The proposal is contained in draft regulations published in the Gazette of India on October 16, 2026.

Limits proposed for two pesticides

The draft Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2026, propose a maximum residue limit (MRL) of 20 mg/kg, or 20 parts per million, for acetamiprid in tea.

For imidacloprid, the proposed MRL is 50 mg/kg, or 50 parts per million.

These limits are subject to the finalisation of the draft regulations.

The proposed MRLs are intended to establish regulatory benchmarks for pesticide residues in tea and support compliance with food safety requirements.

They are also intended to facilitate monitoring and enforcement once the regulations are finalised.

The proposed acetamiprid limit is lower than the corresponding limits of 30 ppm in Japan and 50 ppm in the United States.

The proposed limit for imidacloprid is based on international Codex standards, according to the source.

FSSAI’s explanation of residue limits

“Maximum Residue Limits are an important component of food safety regulation,” the release said.

It said MRLs specify the maximum legally permitted concentration of pesticide residues in food commodities.

According to the release, such limits are established on the basis of scientific assessments that take into account pesticide residue data, dietary exposure and relevant safety considerations.

The proposed limits are intended to provide greater regulatory clarity to tea growers, processors, food businesses, testing laboratories and enforcement authorities.

The release also said India’s average pesticide use in agriculture is less than 0.5 kg per hectare, compared with an estimated global average of 2.38 kg per hectare.

It said India’s average use is also lower than levels reported in several countries, including Colombia, Brazil and the United States.

The proposed standards therefore set out specific residue benchmarks for tea while the draft regulations move towards finalisation.

Source: The Hindu