FSSAI Proposes New Pesticide Residue Limits for Acetamiprid and Imidacloprid in Tea
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified draft amendments proposing Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for two pesticides, acetamiprid and imidacloprid, in tea. The proposal aims to establish clear regulatory standards for pesticide residues, taking into account scientific assessments, relevant international practices and the requirements of Indian agriculture.
Under the draft Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2026, FSSAI has proposed a maximum residue limit of 20 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) for acetamiprid and 50 mg/kg for imidacloprid in tea. The proposed limits are intended to provide clearly defined benchmarks for regulatory compliance, residue monitoring and enforcement of food safety standards, subject to the finalisation of the draft regulations.
The proposed amendments also highlight the importance of effective pest management in agricultural production. According to the Ministry, India’s average pesticide consumption remains below 0.5 kilograms per hectare, significantly lower than the global average of 2.38 kilograms per hectare. India’s pesticide use is also lower than the levels reported in several countries, including Colombia, Brazil and the United States.
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 determined through scientific assessments that consider residue data, dietary exposure and relevant safety parameters.
For the tea sector, the proposed limits are expected to bring greater regulatory clarity for tea growers, processors, food businesses, testing laboratories and enforcement authorities. Once finalised, the standards could help strengthen residue monitoring and support compliance with food safety requirements across the tea supply chain.
