Regulating Pesticide Residues in Tea: FSSAI’s Push for Quality and Global Standards

Effective implementation of these standards requires a robust supply chain mechanism, ensuring that tea smallholders—who often lack access to technical awareness—are supported through technology missions and advisory services. Furthermore, this regulation acts as a vital quality-control instrument for the food processing sector, reinforcing the 'Make in India' brand in the global beverage industry. For the FSSAI, the challenge remains in balancing the stringency of these limits with the economic viability of the tea-producing regions, ensuring that small farmers are not disproportionately burdened by the transition costs associated with complying with new, strict chemical thresholds. UPSC Relevance: This topic is highly relevant for GS Paper III under the 'Food Processing' and 'Major Crops' syllabus sections. Aspirants should utilize this as an example of how the state uses regulatory interventions to balance food safety with agricultural competitiveness, particularly in the context of export-oriented commodities. It serves as a strong case study for answers discussing the intersection of public health, environmental conservation, and trade policy in India's agricultural sector.