Health Hazards due to Use of Compromised or Substandard Food-Grade Plastics

Standing Committee Report Summary

• The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers (Chair: Mr. Azad Kirti Jha) presented its report on ‘Health hazards due to use of compromised or substandard quality of food-grade plastics and their exposure to extreme Indian climatic conditions’ on August 20, 2025.  Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:  

• Preventing migration of plastics into food:  The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issues regulations to prevent any migration of packaging material into food.  It carries out inspections on manufacturing outlets and food vendors such as restaurants to ensure compliance.  The Committee observed that the migration of plastic into food may occur while the food is exposed to high temperatures during packaging and transportation.  However, food contamination is not checked during these phases.  It recommended: (i) specifying an authority to ensure that contamination is within permissible limits during all phases, (ii) developing a framework for zero tolerance of plastic contamination in the food packaging process, and (iii) requiring relevant bodies to provide information on measures taken by them to prevent plastic and nano plastic contamination.  

• R&D for alternatives to plastics:  The Committee observed that two centres of excellence were entrusted to find alternatives to plastic nearly six years ago.  However, limited progress was made.  It recommended conducting a review of both centres.

• Conducting studies on the impact of plastic contamination:  The Committee noted that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had conducted a preliminary study on the effect of chemicals commonly used in plastic manufacturing, using rats as test subjects.  The study found adverse effects of the chemicals on general bodily functions.  It recommended that: (i) comprehensive studies be conducted to validate these findings, and (ii) the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, FSSAI, and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) should work together to develop solutions to prevent the ill effects of chemicals identified during these studies.     

• Strengthening the inspection framework:  FSSAI carries out inspections of food business operators to ensure compliance with its standards.  About two percent of the total inspections conducted in the last two years were reported as non-compliant.  The Committee observed that these figures do not appear to be realistic for the whole country.  It noted that an adequate number of inspections were not conducted in areas with evidence of non-compliance.  It recommended that: (i) FSSAI develop a robust inspection mechanism and (ii) inspections be conducted periodically in all areas.

• Enhancing coordination between authorities:  The Committee noted that there is a lack of coordination between FSSAI and the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, which oversees the plastic packaging sector.  The Committee recommended that the Department and FSSAI should work together for effective implementation of packaging regulations.

• Developing standards for food grade bowls:  The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) develops quality and safety guidelines for products used in food preparation.  The Committee noted the absence of BIS standards for food grade bowls and spoons.  Food grade refers to materials that are made of substances that do not alter the composition of food and are safe for their intended use.  It noted that a working panel of BIS had been established to review standards regarding plastic packaging.  It recommended that the panel expedite the study and inform the Committee of the results.

• Promotion of jute bags:  The Committee observed that jute bags could be an alternative to plastics.  However, there is a lack of incentives for the manufacturing and promotion of jute bags.  It recommended that the Department take appropriate action in this regard.