Making agro-based disposable utensils? Run a microbial test to rule out presence of germs

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: Taking a leaf out of China's book on standards for agro-based disposable utensils, the government has decided to tighten regulations for food-serving utensils made from agricultural by-products by making microbial safety testing mandatory for manufacturers, two people aware of the matter said. The move assumes significance as demand for disposable food-serving utensils at social gatherings has been growing amid environmental concerns sparked by the widespread use of non-biodegradable polythene-based products.

The standards have been prepared by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which works under the ministry of consumer affairs. The new regulations will apply to both locally-manufactured products and imported consumer goods. The move comes amid industry reports suggesting that nearly a third of consumer products in the market are spurious, as reported by Mint.

Under the new standards, manufacturers must comply with IS 5402 (Part 1) of BIS to test for microbial presence in these agro-based disposable utensils, they said, requesting not to be identified. IS 5402 (Part 1) under BIS refers to methods for detecting and enumerating aerobic mesophilic microorganisms in food, ensuring hygiene and safety through microbiological examination and quality control. These microorganisms, which include bacteria and fungi, grow in moderate temperatures and are commonly used as indicators of hygiene and safety in food products.

Agricultural by-products used for making biodegradable utensils include sugarcane bagasse, wheat bran, rice husk, areca leaves, palm leaves, cornstarch, bamboo fiber, and coconut coir. "There is a rise in the use of disposable items. Regulating their standards as