Policy Update
Lakshita Singh
Background
Microplastic consumption is considered highly hazardous to human health. These tiny particles can carry or absorb toxic chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and heavy metals, which can leach into the body and disrupt hormonal balance, leading to endocrine disorders and other health problems. Ingested microplastics can also trigger inflammation in the digestive system, potentially causing chronic inflammation, which is associated with diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other gastrointestinal disorders.
As per the PTI report, all Indian salt and sugar brands, big or small, packaged or unpackaged, contain microplastics. According to a study, “Microplastics in Salt and Sugar” by an environmental research organization Toxics Link, tested 10 types of salt—table salt, rock salt, sea salt, etc.—and 5 types of sugar. It revealed that microplastics are present in all types of salt and sugar in various forms, including fiber and pellets. The size ranged from 0.5mm to 1mm. Amidst this growing concern, all this led to the food safety and standards authority of India launching a project called “micro and nanoparticles as emerging food contaminants,” started in March this year.
The aim of the project is to develop and validate analytic measures for detecting these types of pollutants and assess their prevalence and exposure levels in India. According to the report, the concentration of microplastics in the salt samples varied significantly, ranging from 6.71 to 89.15 pieces per kilogram of dry weight. It also found out that iodized salt had the highest concentration of microplastics, with 89.15 pieces per kilogram, while organic rock salt had the lowest concentration, at 6.70 pieces per kilogram.
Functioning and Implementation
The primary goals of the project include establishing standard protocols for micro/nano-plastic analysis, facilitating intra- and inter-laboratory comparisons, and generating crucial data on microplastic exposure levels among consumers. As India’s food safety regulator, FSSAI is dedicated to ensuring that consumers have access to safe and healthy food. Given the global concerns about microplastics in food, it’s essential to gather reliable data specific to India. This project aims to assess the extent of microplastic contamination in Indian food and guide the development of effective regulations and safety standards to protect public health.
The findings will not only inform regulatory measures but also contribute to the global understanding of microplastic contamination, positioning Indian research as a key player in the worldwide effort to address this environmental issue.
Objectives:
- Develop and validate analytical techniques for detecting microplastics in food products.
- Assess the prevalence and exposure levels of microplastics.
- Generate data on consumer exposure and help formulate regulations and safety standards to protect public health.
Collaborators:
FSSAI is collaborating with research institutions across India, including CSIR – Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (Lucknow), ICAR – Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (Kochi), and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (Pilani).
Expected Outcomes:
The project’s findings are expected to help reduce microplastic contamination in food imports and exports and contribute to global efforts to tackle this environmental challenge.
How Can We Prevent It
Nanoplastics are everywhere; they can lead to serious health issues for a person, resulting in various heart and other diseases and disorders. It should be based on one’s awareness and responsibility to tackle this issue. There are many measures at an individual level; these are:
Reduce Bottled Water Consumption: Research suggests that plastic bottled water could be a major source of microplastics. While the extent of this issue is still being explored, a 2019 study found bottled water to be the most concentrated source of microplastics among commonly consumed food and drinks.
Avoid Plastic for Food Storage: Although plastic food storage and packaging are widespread, it’s best to avoid storing food or liquids in plastic whenever possible. Additionally, try to minimize exposing plastic—whether BPA-free or microwave-safe—to high heat, as well as to sunlight, acids, and physical wear, all of which can degrade plastic.
Avoid Reusing Single-Use Plastics for Food and Drinks: While reusing single-use plastic is commendable, it’s not advisable for food storage. Unless you’re using the plastic in the freezer, it’s best to reserve these items for non-food uses, according to Dr. Gillian Goddard, an endocrinologist and author at ParentData.
Don’t Microwave Food in Plastic: Steer clear of microwaving or heating food or water in plastic containers, even if labeled microwave-safe. Instead, opt for glass or ceramic dishes, as recommended by Tracey Woodruff, director of the Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment at the University of California, San Francisco.
Use Wood or Bamboo Cutting Boards: Research indicates that plastic cutting boards can contribute significantly to microplastics in your diet, as cutting on their surface can release particles that may stick to food. In contrast, wood cutting boards are not only more durable but also kinder to your knife blades when properly cared for.
Limit processed Foods: Reduce your intake of highly processed foods, which can contain higher levels of microplastics.
Filter Tap Water: Invest in an NSF-certified water filter to remove microplastics, which can be as small as 2.5 microns. A filter with a medium size equal to or smaller than this measurement is most effective.
Be Cautious About Seafood Origin: Pay attention to where your seafood comes from, and consider reducing your overall consumption of fish and seafood.
Government Regulations
The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to combat microplastics and address plastic pollution:
- Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021: These rules aim to prohibit single-use plastic items by the end of 2022. They also increase the permissible thickness of plastic carry bags to discourage their use.
- Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission): Launched in 2014, this initiative focuses on cleanliness, sanitation, and waste management, including the reduction of plastic waste in urban and rural areas.
- National Policy on Solid Waste Management: This policy emphasizes the management of plastic waste and encourages the recycling and safe disposal of plastic materials.
- Ganga Action Plan and Namami Gange Programme: These initiatives aim to clean the Ganga River and prevent plastic pollution in waterways, including measures to control plastic waste in river basins.
- Research and Development: The government is funding research to understand the effects of microplastics on health and the environment. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is conducting studies on microplastic contamination in food and water.
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): This program addresses various pollutants, including plastic waste, that can contribute to air quality issues and environmental health.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): The government has introduced EPR policies, requiring manufacturers to manage the lifecycle of plastic products, including their disposal and recycling. These initiatives collectively aim to reduce plastic waste, promote sustainable practices, and mitigate the impact of microplastics on the environment and public health in India.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in India has undertaken significant actions to address the issues surrounding microplastics and their implications for health and the environment. In February 2024, the NGT recognized that microplastics can infiltrate blood cells, posing serious health risks, and called for strict adherence to environmental regulations while initiating a study to evaluate the need for modifications in current enforcement policies.
In July 2024, the tribunal directed the Kerala State Pollution Control Board and the Department of Environment to investigate microplastic contamination in Ashtamudi Lake after receiving reports about the issue. Furthermore, in March 2023, the NGT instructed various government ministries to assess a report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding microplastics and implement necessary changes. The tribunal mandated immediate interventions, including the design and manufacture of products that generate microplastics and the regulation of personal care and cosmetic products containing these particles. Such interventions are to be developed in collaboration with the CPCB, the Indian Council of Medical Research, the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology, and other relevant organizations.
Additionally, on August 13, 2024, the NGT directed the inclusion of the Punjab Pollution Control Board in discussions related to solid waste management at Ludhiana’s sabzi mandi (vegetable market). The court also involved the deputy commissioner of Ludhiana, the Municipal Corporation of Ludhiana, and the Punjab Mandi Board. The Mandi Board has allocated land for a compost plant and is collaborating with the Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute to operate a facility that produces bricks from vegetable and fruit waste.
These actions underscore the NGT’s commitment to combating the challenges posed by microplastics in India, highlighting the need for comprehensive studies, effective regulation, and public health protection.
Emerging Issues
- Lack of Comprehensive Data: There is limited data on the extent of microplastic contamination in various environmental matrices (air, water, soil, and food). This gap hinders the formulation of targeted policies and regulations.
- Regulatory Gaps: While there are regulations regarding plastic waste management, enforcement is often weak. There is a lack of clear guidelines specifically addressing microplastics, leading to inconsistent implementation across regions.
- Awareness and Education: Public awareness about the dangers of microplastics and their sources is low. Effective communication and education initiatives are needed to inform the public and industries about microplastic pollution and its health implications.
- Waste Management Infrastructure: Many regions in India lack adequate waste management systems. Inefficient segregation, collection, and disposal of plastic waste contribute to environmental pollution, including microplastics..
- Research and Development: There is insufficient investment in research on microplastics, their sources, impacts, and remediation technologies. More funding and collaboration among research institutions are essential for advancing knowledge in this area.
- Inter-agency coordination: Multiple government agencies are involved in addressing plastic pollution, but coordination among them is often lacking. A unified approach is necessary for effective policy implementation and monitoring.
India is part of global supply chains where plastic production and consumption are prevalent. Addressing microplastics requires international cooperation to tackle the issue at a global level. Addressing these implementation issues is crucial for India’s efforts to mitigate microplastic pollution and protect public health and the environment.
Way Forward
In many countries, research is ongoing to comprehend the implications of microplastics, which are toxic not only to ecosystems but also act as carriers for transporting other harmful chemicals within aquatic environments. On average, the consumption of 131 liters of bottled water corresponds to the intake of approximately 16,000 microplastics per year from drinking water alone.
In India, municipal areas generate 133,760 metric tonnes per day (TPD) of municipal solid waste (MSW), with only 91,152 TPD collected and 25,884 TPD treated; of this, merely 9,250 TPD of plastic waste is recycled, according to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Given this scenario, India must enhance its waste management infrastructure, promote recycling and responsible consumption, and raise public and industrial awareness. Effectively addressing microplastic pollution requires a comprehensive approach involving collaboration among government agencies, industries, communities, and individuals to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.
There is a need to encourage mass awareness programs and interdisciplinary research, particularly in the basic sciences, to understand the effects of microplastics on aquatic environments—an important area requiring government focus. Numerous nonprofits and civil society organizations are actively addressing this issue through research, advocacy, and community engagement. Additionally, investments from private wealthy individuals could also contribute to preventing environmental concerns related to microplastics.
References
- FSSAI Launches Project to Address Microplastic Contamination in Indian Food. (2024). Pib.gov.in. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2046403
- PTI. (2024, August 18). FSSAI launches project to address microplastic contamination in Indian food products. The Economic Times; Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/food/fssai-launches-project-to-address-microplastic-contamination-in-indian-food-products/articleshow/112606666.cms?from=mdr
- English. (2024, August 20). NDTV. NDTV.com. https://www.ndtv.com/food/food-authority-to-analyse-and-detect-microplastic-contamination-in-indian-food-products-6376098
- Staff, D. (2024, August 20). Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (August 16, 2024). Down to Earth; Down To Earth. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-august-16-2024-2
- Moumita Karmakar. (2023, July 24). Managing microplastic pollution is important for meeting sustainable development goals in India. Down to Earth; Down To Earth. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/water/managing-microplastic-pollution-is-important-for-meeting-sustainable-development-goals-in-india-90789
About the contributor- Lakshita Singh, working as a research intern at IMPRI, currently pursuing her graduation in BA hons History from Delhi University.
Acknowledgement– The author would like to thank Ms Aasthaba Jadeja and Ms Avi Sharma in reviewing the article.
Read more at IMPRI:
Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill, 2023: Withdrawn or Revised?
