FSSAI suggests pesticide residue limits for tea

The proposed limits are intended to ensure greater clarity of regulations for tea growers, processors, food businesses, testing laboratories and law enforcement agencies. (Representative image) | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed maximum residue limits (MRLs) for two pesticides, acetamiprid and imidacloprid, in tea, said a release issued by the central government on Saturday (Oct 17, 2026).

The draft Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment 2026, published in the Gazette of India on Friday (October 16), proposes MRLs of 20 mg/kg (20 ppm) for acetamiprid and 50 mg/kg (50 ppm) for imidacloprid in tea.

The purpose of the proposed limits is to establish regulatory standards for pesticide residues in tea and to facilitate compliance, monitoring and enforcement of food safety requirements, subject to finalization of the draft regulations.

Notably, the proposed limit for acetamiprid is lower than the corresponding limits of 30 ppm in Japan and 50 ppm in the United States. The proposed limit for imidacloprid is also based on international Codex standards.

“Maximum residue limits are an important component of food safety regulation. They specify the maximum legally permitted concentration of pesticide residues in food commodities and are established based on scientific evaluations, taking into account pesticide residue data, dietary exposure and relevant safety considerations,” the report states.

He added that India’s average use of pesticides in agriculture, at less than 0.5 kg per hectare, is well below the estimated global average of 2.38 kg per hectare. “It is also lower than levels reported in several countries, including Colombia, Brazil and the United States,” the report said.

The proposed limits are intended to ensure greater clarity of regulations for tea growers, processors, food businesses, testing laboratories and law enforcement agencies.

Published – 17 Oct 2026 18:27 IST