Pesticide residues in tea are usually discussed from two perspectives: the industry’s need to control pests and the consumer’s safety, especially in markets like the European Union that enforce strict maximum residue limits (MRLs). A third, often overlooked, perspective is that of the plantation workers who apply the chemicals.
MRLs define the highest legally permissible concentration of a pesticide residue on food. The EU’s system, overseen by the European Food Safety Authority, protects consumers, including vulnerable groups, from harmful exposure. When a specific MRL is set for a pesticide–tea combination, that limit applies; otherwise the EU defaults to 0.01 mg/kg. This rule is critical for India, where tea exports to the EU must meet these standards.
India exported 257.88 million kg of tea in 2024‑25, generating ₹7,503.52 crore, with North India alone accounting for 61.38 million kg. If a pesticide used legally in India leaves residues above the EU MRL, the tea becomes non‑compliant, forcing the industry to balance pest control with chemical use and compliance. The Tea Board has highlighted residue requirements as a major export challenge, prompting companies to tighten procurement standards.
Assam’s 13.5 lakh tea workers face occupational exposure when mixing, carrying, or spraying pesticides. Labour authorities mandate training, protective gear, washing facilities, and medical checks, and certification audits treat untrained spraying as a significant non‑conformity. Yet practical gaps persist: temporary workers may lack training, washing stations may be inadequate, and health records are not always shared with the sprayers themselves, allowing contamination to spread to families.
Climate change may increase pest pressure, potentially raising chemical use, while a shift to integrated pest management and regenerative agriculture could reduce reliance on pesticides. In either scenario, worker safety must be integral to the sustainability conversation, measured not only by residue levels but also by the health and protection of those who produce the tea.
