Why in news?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued new rules for the manufacture of tea bags. The standards prohibit the use of epichlorohydrin – a chemical used to strengthen paper and classified as a probable carcinogen – and ban chlorine bleaching of the materials. Tea bag labels must now display the manufacturer’s name, address, batch number, date of manufacture and expiry to ensure consumer safety.
Background
Epichlorohydrin (1‑chloro‑2,3‑epoxypropane) is a colourless, flammable liquid used to make epoxy resins, synthetic glycerine and other products. It does not occur naturally. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) it is “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A). Exposure can cause severe skin and eye irritation, breathing difficulties, and long‑term effects such as genetic mutations and organ damage. Because of these hazards many countries regulate its use in food‑contact materials.
Details of the BIS standard
- Safe materials: Tea bags must be made from virgin cellulose fibres or Abacá plant fibres. The use of plastics such as nylon or PET is discouraged because they can release microplastics when steeped in hot water.
- Prohibited chemicals: Manufacturers may not use epichlorohydrin or chlorine bleaching agents in tea bag paper. Inks, dyes and adhesives must comply with food‑contact safety standards.
- Testing and labelling: Packaging materials are subject to migration tests to ensure that chemicals do not leach into the beverage. Each tea bag pack must clearly state the manufacturer’s details, batch number and date of manufacture and expiry.
- Thread and tag requirements: The new rules specify that string and tags attached to tea bags should be made of non‑hazardous materials and securely fastened.
Health and environmental context
The ban on epichlorohydrin aligns India with international efforts to reduce exposure to chemicals that could migrate from packaging into food. It also addresses concerns about microplastics from synthetic tea bags. Consumers increasingly prefer biodegradable and compostable materials, and the new standard encourages manufacturers to adopt safer, more sustainable options.
Conclusion
By eliminating a hazardous chemical and promoting transparency, India’s tea bag standard protects public health and supports environmental sustainability. It also signals to manufacturers that food‑contact materials must meet stringent safety requirements.