Endocrine Disruptors in Indian Food: minimizing children exposure and fostering a safer space for agriculture and food market (EDIFY)
Project EDIFY, funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) and implemented jointly by the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Mu Gamma Consultants Pvt Ltd (MGC), The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI), SRM Institute of Science & Technology (SRMIST) and Toxics Link is studying the load of endocrine-disrupting substances (EDS) in the Indian diet. The main objectives of the project are: a) Conduct a comprehensive assessment of exposure of the Indian population to EDS through diet (food and water); b) Assess climate and anthropological drivers controlling levels of EDS in drinking water and agricultural products; c) Identify sound risk reduction measures and management options for reducing exposure to EDS; d) Establish a knowledge-based fundament for the development of sustainable policies on EDS, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations; and e) Examine opportunities for strengthening the agricultural sector to subsequently reduce the presence of EDS in agricultural products and processed food. The deliverables include: The first comprehensive assessment of EDS occurrence in the diet of Indian communities focusing on the socio-economic and climate drivers controlling exposure; Recommendations for food choices that reduce EDS in the diet that is tailored for children and women of child-bearing age in India; A comparative (EU-India) analysis of policies on EDS; The elaboration and promotion of a Low-Endocrine-Disruptors (LED) food quality label to foster the creation of a market niche for safer food and promote Indian primary sector export.