Scientists and experts seek PM’s intervention in lifting US curb on biodegradable dinnerware made from areca leaf sheath

The global market for areca-based dinnerware is valued at approximately ₹420 million (around ₹3,500 crore), and is projected to double by 2030. India has emerged as a major player, contributing nearly ₹2,500 crore, with Karnataka leading the country in the manufacturing of areca palm leaf tableware and dinnerware. | Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar

Over 100 scientists, medical experts and academicians from the areca-growing areas of Karnataka have sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention to lift the U.S. restrictions on biodegradable dinnerware like plates and cups made from areca leaf sheath.

On May 8, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an import alert imposing restrictions on biodegradable dinnerware made from areca nut leaf sheaths, including plates, cups, and related products. This has caused concern among scientists, medical professionals and academicians from the areca growing areas, as it would affect the prospects of areca farmers as well as entrepreneurs, as Karnataka is leading the country in this sector.

Unsubstantiated claims

On May 26, they wrote to the Prime Minister seeking his intervention in convincing the US to lift the curb. They have alleged that such restrictions had been imposed by the US ‘based on ambiguous and unsubstantiated claims that naturally occurring alkaloids in the areca leaf sheath may migrate into food and may pose health risks’. They expressed concern that such a move would undermine a culturally significant, eco-friendly industry and adversely affect thousands of Indian entrepreneurs and farmers.

They have stated that the global market for areca-based dinnerware is currently valued at approximately ₹420 million (around ₹3,500 crore), and is projected to double by 2030. India has emerged as a major player, contributing nearly ₹2,500 crore, with Karnataka leading the country in the manufacturing of areca palm leaf tableware and dinnerware, they pointed out.

“In recent years, around 1,000 metric tonnes of areca leaf dinnerware have been exported from New Mangalore Port of Karnataka, primarily to the US, as well as to Germany, the UK, Australia, Netherlands, and Canada. Currently, over 600 enthusiastic entrepreneurs and startups, along with thousands of skilled workers in Karnataka alone, are actively engaged in this eco-friendly sector,” they said.

They alleged, “This unjustified action by the U.S. government against a time-tested desi product reflects a troubling pattern of Western scientific and regulatory dominance, coupled with moral hegemony.”

They appealed to the Prime Minister to take urgent diplomatic and regulatory steps to counter these ‘unfounded’ claims and seek removal of the U.S. restrictions. They appealed to him to urge the U.S. authorities to define acceptable alkaloid thresholds and to extend technical, regulatory, and R&D support to Indian manufacturers to meet any agreed standards.

Commission a study

To clear the air, they have appealed to him to commission a thorough scientific review and fresh research on the safety of areca nut consumption and the applications of its by-products, through premier institutions.

“A science-driven approach will not only effectively address this challenge but also strengthen India’s leadership in sustainable, tradition-rooted enterprises, truly reflecting the visionary spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.”

The signatories to the letter to the Prime Minister include T. N. Prakash Kammaradi, agri economist and former chairman of Karnataka Agricultural Prices Commission; Dr. G. K. Venkatesh, founder director, Institute of Nephro Urology, Bengaluru; Dr. Prasad Konkalmatt, Specialist in Adeno-Associated Virus; founder and scientific consultant, AAVion LLC, Maryland, USA; and Dr. K. Narayana Gowda, former vice-chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru.

Published - May 28, 2025 09:27 am IST