India to revise standards for pigments used in food grade plastics

As part of its focus on tightening regulations over plastics and their use, India is expecting revised standards for pigments and colourants used in food grade plastics. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) was expected to provide the revised version as early as January 2014, but the formal standards are still awaiting finalization. The new standards are expected to be more stringent, and in line with global regulations.

The present standards for pigments (IS 9833) was published in 1981, to ensure that the pigments and colorants used were not harmful to consumers due to any leaching of the pigments into the food product. Now, more than 30 years later, the previous standards are long due for a good overhaul to keep up with the global standards and changes in usage of food grade plastics, such as microwaving food in these plastic containers.

BIS representatives pointed out that, “In the new standard, the list of the pigments has been increased keeping in view the latest trend. Test methods for measuring heavy metals and amines have also been included in it. The new standard is more stringent and is based on international standards such as US FDA, EC Directives, etc.”