Tea pesticide MRLs: FSSAI proposes limits for acetamiprid and imidacloprid in 2026 draft

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released draft rules that set proposed maximum residue limits (MRLs) for two pesticides in tea. The Health Ministry said the move aims to balance crop protection needs with consumer safety. The draft proposes specific legal thresholds for Acetamiprid and Imidacloprid residues in tea.

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According to the ministry’s statement on Saturday, FSSAI has notified draft amendments under the Food Safety and Standards framework. The draft sits within FSSAI’s wider push for science-led food safety rules and consumer protection. It also seeks to make residue checks easier for regulators and testing systems.

FSSAI pesticides MRLs in tea: proposed limits

The draft Food Safety and Standards Contaminants, Toxins and Residues Amendment Regulations, 2026, sets residue caps for tea. It proposes 20 mg/kg, or 20 ppm, for Acetamiprid. It also proposes 50 mg/kg, or 50 ppm, for Imidacloprid. These limits would apply once the draft rules are finalised.

The ministry said these proposed limits would act as clear regulatory benchmarks for pesticide residues. It said this would support compliance, monitoring, and enforcement of food safety rules. The ministry added that final limits will depend on the draft’s final approval process.

FSSAI pesticides MRLs in tea: who it affects

For the tea industry, the proposal is meant to improve clarity for several groups. The ministry listed growers, processors, food businesses, testing laboratories, and enforcement authorities. The aim is to reduce confusion about acceptable residue levels during production, processing, and checks.

MRLs define the highest residue concentration that is legally allowed in a food product. The ministry said these levels are fixed after scientific review. That work uses residue data, expected dietary exposure, and other safety factors. These steps help set limits that protect public health.

FSSAI pesticides MRLs in tea: global comparisons

The ministry noted that the proposed Acetamiprid limit for tea is lower than some overseas standards. It said the draft sets 20 ppm, compared with 30 ppm in Japan. It also compared it with 50 ppm in the United States of America. These figures were cited to explain the proposed level.

For Imidacloprid, the ministry said the proposed MRL was framed with reference to Codex standards. Codex is used by many countries as a benchmark for food safety. The reference indicates an effort to align parts of India’s residue framework with global approaches.

FSSAI pesticides MRLs in tea: broader pesticide residue updates

The ministry said the new draft fits into FSSAI’s wider plan to review and update pesticide residue standards. It referred to the Food Safety and Standards Contaminants, Toxins and Residues Amendment Regulations, 2024. That process reviewed MRLs using available scientific evidence and international practice.

Earlier steps also included removing 13 pesticides from regulatory lists due to higher toxicity concerns. The ministry said the proposed tea limits still reflect the need for pest control in farming. It said pesticides, when used correctly and as prescribed, can limit pest damage and reduce crop losses.

The ministry also provided context on overall pesticide use in India. It said India’s average use is less than 0.5 kg per hectare. It compared this with a global average of 2.38 kg per hectare. The draft tea limits now await finalisation under the stated regulatory process.

With inputs from PTI