Key Update 

India’s food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, has notified Version IX of the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, tightening limits on toxins, pesticide residues, heavy metals and select additives across multiple food categories.

Issued on 3 February 2026, the revised compendium strengthens consumer protection and aligns Indian standards with evolving scientific risk assessments. The amendments cover raw commodities, processed foods and beverages, marking a significant regulatory update.

Stricter Mycotoxin Controls

The regulator has lowered permissible limits for total aflatoxins in cereals, pulses, oilseeds, nuts and ready-to-eat foods. It has also revised caps for aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin M1, ochratoxin A and patulin in key staples and beverages. These changes aim to reduce long-term exposure to toxin-contaminated grains and dairy products.

Broader Oversight of Natural Toxins

For the first time in several categories, authorities have introduced limits for naturally occurring toxic substances such as agaric acid, hydrocyanic acid, hypericine and safrole. This move expands regulatory focus beyond synthetic contaminants to include hazards naturally present in certain plant-based and traditional foods.

Tighter Monitoring of Seafood

The revised framework sets separate limits for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in inland and marine fish and defines a cap for benzo(a)pyrene in smoked fish products. The update reflects increased scrutiny of industrial pollutants and processing-related contaminants in aquatic foods.

Updated Pesticide Residue Standards

Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for several insecticides and fungicides have been revised across crops and animal products, including rice, wheat, fruits, vegetables, milk and meat. The changes may require farmers and processors to reassess spray practices, sourcing controls and compliance systems.

Additives and Heavy Metals Reassessed

Authorities have updated permissible levels for certain additives, preservatives and colour preparations. Revised limits for heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury now apply across canned foods, beverages, oils, infant foods and drinking water.

What This Means for Industry

The amendments are expected to impact FMCG companies, exporters, laboratories and regulatory teams. Businesses may need to conduct fresh compliance reviews, update supplier specifications and strengthen testing protocols to meet the revised standards. With Version IX, the regulator signals a clear shift toward stricter contaminant control and science-driven food safety governance.

Source: Foodtech Network