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, hypericin 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.

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.

Update: Amendment Regulations Notified in May 2026

Following the release of Version IX, FSSAI notified the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2026 through the Gazette of India on 14 May 2026. These amendments further refine contaminant limits and regulatory requirements for several food categories, with the revised provisions coming into force on 1 December 2026.

The amendment introduces updated maximum limits for selected contaminants, toxins, and residues based on evolving scientific evidence and international standards. Food business operators are expected to review their sourcing, testing, and quality assurance programmes to ensure compliance before the implementation date.

For consumers, these changes reinforce FSSAI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food safety standards by keeping contaminant limits aligned with the latest risk assessments and global best practices.

As with Version IX, food manufacturers, importers, laboratories, and regulatory professionals should stay informed of these updates to ensure continued compliance with India’s food safety regulations.

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