Tea pesticide MRLs: FSSAI proposes limits for acetamiprid, imidacloprid
Why in the news
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified draft rules setting maximum residue limits (MRLs) for two insecticides in tea, reported on 17-18 October 2026.
Key facts
- Draft regulation: Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2026.
- Acetamiprid: proposed MRL of 20 mg/kg (20 ppm) in tea.
- Imidacloprid: proposed MRL of 50 mg/kg (50 ppm), fixed with reference to international Codex standards.
- Both limits remain draft and are subject to finalisation.
- Purpose: clear benchmarks for compliance, monitoring and enforcement, and clarity for growers, processors, food businesses, laboratories and enforcement agencies.
- FSSAI has earlier delisted 13 pesticides considered more toxic.
Comparison
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Acetamiprid MRL in tea (India, proposed) | 20 ppm |
| Acetamiprid limit, Japan | 30 ppm |
| Acetamiprid limit, US | 50 ppm |
| India’s average pesticide use | below 0.5 kg/ha |
| Global average pesticide use | 2.38 kg/ha |
India’s per-hectare use is also lower than that of Colombia, Brazil and the United States.
About MRL
A maximum residue limit is the highest level of a pesticide residue legally allowed in a food item. The proposed limits apply to acetamiprid and imidacloprid residues in tea.
Exam angle
- Remember the values: acetamiprid 20 mg/kg, imidacloprid 50 mg/kg.
- The regulator is FSSAI; the rules are still at the draft stage.
- India’s pesticide intensity (under 0.5 kg/ha) versus the world (2.38 kg/ha) is a likely statement question.