Examine the health and environmental risks of micro- and nano-plastics. How well equipped is India's food-safety framework to respond?

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. Those smaller than 1 µm are called nanoplastics [1]. In 2026 the Madras High Court ordered a red "may contain micro/nano plastics" warning on water, salt and sugar sold in plastic packaging [5]. The order shows the risk has reached everyday food before India's regulation is ready for it.

Health risks

• Particles: microplastics larger than 150 µm are likely excreted. Nanoplastics may be absorbed more. Rodent studies reported liver inflammation, but only at very high doses [1].
• Chemicals: plastics carry unbound monomers and additives. They can also pick up persistent organic pollutants [1].
• Biofilms: particles can carry microbial films that sometimes include pathogens [1].
• Uncertainty: WHO found too little evidence for firm conclusions, especially on nanoplastics [2]. Not proven harmful does not mean proven safe.

Environmental risks

• Everywhere: found in seas, rivers, air, food and drinking water. The main sources are run-off and wastewater, plus bottles and caps [1].
• Into the food chain: microplastics were found in all 10 salt and 5 sugar samples tested in India, packaged or loose. Iodised salt had the most, at 89.15 pieces/kg [3].
• Treatment matters: optimised wastewater treatment removes over 90% of microplastics [1]. Where it is missing, particles reach water bodies.

India's food-safety framework: preparedness

Strengths

• The FSS Act, 2006 lets FSSAI set food standards and labelling rules.
• FSSAI's 2024 project on micro/nano-plastics as emerging food contaminants is building standard test methods and consumer exposure data [4].
• Courts as a backstop: based on Article 21 and the precautionary principle, the court ordered disclosure. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal (SLP) against it [5].

Gaps

• No validated test method or legal limit yet, so no standard can be enforced [4].
• A reactive regulator: FSSAI opposed the label, warning of "public panic" [5].
• Packaging-only focus: the label covers plastic-packed goods, but loose salt and sugar are contaminated too [3].
• Separate silos: controlling plastic at source (Plastic Waste Management Rules) falls under MoEFCC, not the food regulator.

Micro/nano-plastics are a widespread pollutant with uncertain but plausible health risks, and India's framework is only partly ready. FSSAI should speed up validated test methods and set evidence-based limits that cover loose products too. It should also link food rules with reducing plastic at source, as WHO urges [1]. Precaution grounded in science would uphold the right to health under Article 21 and SDG 12.