Key Development

The Tamil Nadu government informed the Madras High Court that it has requested IIT Madras to conduct a detailed study on the type of plastic suitable for food packaging and packing materials, especially for hot food and beverages.

Focus on Hot Foods and Single-Use Plastics

The proposed research will examine the impact of packaging hot items such as sambar and tea in single-use plastic containers. The government submitted this information before a division bench comprising Justice N Sathish Kumar and Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy while hearing a batch of petitions related to environmental conservation.

Food Safety Department to Be Involved

Counsel for the state told the court that the government will apprise the Food Safety Department and allow it to undertake necessary studies before reaching any conclusions on the issue.

Court Flags Microplastic Health Concerns

The bench raised the matter in light of a study conducted by PSG Medical College, Coimbatore, which reported the presence of microplastic pollutants in the placenta of a mother. Expressing serious concern over the findings, the court directed the state government to take urgent and concrete steps to address the potential health and environmental risks.

Source: The Times of India