Food regulator FSSAI has proposed to fix the maximum residue limit (MRL) of two pesticides – acetamiprid and imidacloprid in tea, keeping in mind the needs of crop protection while protecting the interests of consumers. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified draft amendments to set maximum limits for residues of two pesticides, acetamiprid and imidacloprid, in tea, the health ministry said in an official statement. The draft is part of FSSAI’s ongoing efforts to promote science-based food safety regulation and consumer protection.

What big step did you take?

The draft Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxic Substances and Residues) Amendment Rules, 2026 have prescribed a maximum residue limit of 20 mg per kilogram (20 ppm) for acetamiprid and 50 mg per kilogram (50 ppm) for tea. The ministry said the proposed limits aim to set clear regulatory standards for pesticide residues, which will facilitate compliance, monitoring and enforcement of food safety requirements. However, these draft regulations are being finalised. The proposed limits for the tea sector are expected to provide regulatory clarity to tea growers, processors, food traders, testing laboratories and enforcement authorities. Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) set the maximum legally permitted amount of pesticide residues in food.

What is the limit?

These limits are determined on the basis of scientific evaluation, which takes into account pesticide residues, their amount reaching the body through food and relevant aspects related to safety. The ministry said the proposed limit of 20 ppm for acetamiprid in tea is lower than the respective limits of 30 ppm set in Japan and 50 ppm in the US. The maximum residue limit for imidacloprid has also been formulated keeping in mind the international Codex standards. The proposal is part of FSSAI’s comprehensive regulatory approach to review and amend norms related to pesticide residues.

Why did you take this step?

The maximum residue limits in the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxic Substances and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2024 were also reviewed in the light of available scientific information and global practices. Earlier, regulatory measures also included delisting 13 pesticides that were found to be highly toxic. The ministry said the proposed standard also acknowledged the importance of effective pest management during agricultural production. When used correctly and according to prescribed procedures, pesticides help farmers protect crops from pests, reduce crop losses and maintain agricultural productivity. The average pesticide use per hectare in India is less than 0.5 kg, which is much lower than the global average of 2.38 kg per hectare.