What Exactly Is Changing?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has put forward new draft regulations to set Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for two specific pesticides used in tea cultivation: Acetamiprid and Imidacloprid. An MRL is the highest level of a pesticide residue
that is legally tolerated in a food product. According to a Ministry of Health and Family Welfare release from October 17, 2026, the proposed limits are 20 parts per million (ppm) for Acetamiprid and 50 ppm for Imidacloprid. These pesticides are commonly used to protect tea plants from damaging insects. The goal is to create a clear, enforceable benchmark for the tea industry, from the growers to the businesses that package and sell it. It's important to note these are still proposals and have been opened for feedback from stakeholders before being finalised.
Why Is This Happening Now?
This move is part of a larger effort by FSSAI to align India's food safety standards with global best practices and strengthen consumer protection. For years, there has been a push from health advocates and international markets for stricter monitoring of pesticide residues in tea. Tea leaves are harvested many times a year, which can shorten the gap between when pesticides are sprayed and when the leaves are plucked. While some chemicals break down during processing, others can remain. Establishing clear MRLs helps ensure that any residue stays within levels considered safe for consumption. The proposed limits for Acetamiprid, for instance, are stricter than those in Japan and the US, signalling a focus on India's own food safety priorities. These standards also provide much-needed clarity for small tea growers and exporters who navigate different regulations across the globe.
Will My Chai Get Safer... And More Expensive?
This is the core question for every tea drinker. In theory, stricter, well-enforced MRLs mean a safer product for consumers. By setting a clear legal limit, the regulator can better monitor the tea sold in the domestic market, reducing potential health risks associated with excessive pesticide exposure. However, this could come at a cost. The tea industry, particularly small growers' associations, has expressed concerns. Meeting stricter standards might require using more expensive, alternative pest control methods or could lead to lower yields if pests are not managed effectively. These increased production costs could potentially be passed on to the consumer, meaning you might have to pay a little more for your favourite brand of tea. The industry is currently in a period of adjustment, trying to balance these new proposed standards with the economic realities of tea cultivation.
The Challenge for India's Tea Growers
While consumers think about safety and price, tea producers face a significant operational challenge. Tea plantations are complex ecosystems susceptible to a wide variety of pests. For many small farmers, the currently used pesticides are effective and affordable. Shifting away from them requires investment in new data, new methods, and potentially different chemicals that are approved and have established MRLs. The Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers Associations has been actively asking for clear notifications on approved pesticides to remove uncertainty. Without clear guidance and support, there is a risk that growers could face crop losses, impacting their livelihoods. The new regulations, therefore, place a responsibility on both the government and industry bodies to support growers through this transition, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to comply without compromising their business.
