FSSAI proposes pesticide residue limits for tea, here's what consumers should know

Food regulator FSSAI has proposed maximum residue limits (MRLs) for two pesticides, Acetamiprid and Imidacloprid, in tea, considering the requirement of crop protection while safeguarding consumer interest.

In an official statement on Saturday, the Health Ministry said the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified draft amendments proposing MRLs for two pesticides, Acetamiprid and Imidacloprid, in tea.

The draft is part of the FSSAI's ongoing efforts to promote science-based food safety regulation and consumer protection.

FSSAI proposes limits for two pesticides in tea

The draft Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2026, has proposed MRLs of 20 mg/kg (20 ppm) for Acetamiprid and 50 mg/kg (50 ppm) for Imidacloprid in tea.

"The proposed limits are intended to provide clearly defined regulatory benchmarks for pesticide residues, facilitating compliance, monitoring and enforcement of food safety requirements, subject to finalisation of the draft regulations," the ministry said.

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

How pesticide residue limits are determined

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

The limits are established on the basis of scientific assessments, taking into account pesticide residue data, dietary exposure and relevant safety considerations.

The ministry highlighted that the proposed MRL of 20 ppm for Acetamiprid in tea is lower than the corresponding limits of 30 ppm in Japan and 50 ppm in the United States of America.

For Imidacloprid, the MRL has also been formulated with reference to international Codex standards.

FSSAI reviews pesticide residue standards

The latest proposal forms part of FSSAI's broader regulatory approach towards the review and revision of pesticide residue standards.

The Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2024, also involved a review of MRLs in light of available scientific data and global practices.

Earlier regulatory measures also included the delisting of 13 pesticides identified as having higher toxicity.

Ministry highlights role of pesticides in crop protection

"The proposed standards also recognise the importance of effective pest management in agricultural production. Pesticides, when used appropriately and in accordance with prescribed practices, help farmers protect crops against pests, minimise crop losses and maintain agricultural productivity," the ministry said.

At less than 0.5 kg per hectare, India's average pesticide use is significantly below the global average of 2.38 kg per hectare.