FSSAI Proposes Pesticide Residue Limits for Tea
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · Agriculture · Posted 17 OCT 2026 3:26PM
What happened
FSSAI has proposed draft amendments setting Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for Acetamiprid at 20 ppm and Imidacloprid at 50 ppm in tea to ensure consumer safety and regulatory clarity.
Why it matters for UPSC
This policy update is vital for UPSC aspirants studying food safety regulations, agricultural practices, and export standards under the Indian economy and agriculture syllabus.
Key objectives
- FSSAI notified draft amendments proposing Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for Acetamiprid (20 ppm) and Imidacloprid (50 ppm) in tea.
- India's average pesticide use stands at less than 0.5 kg per hectare, which is significantly below the global average of 2.38 kg per hectare.
- The proposed limits aim to balance consumer safety, compliance, and effective pest management in the tea sector.