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FSSAI Refutes Claims of High Pesticide Residue in Indian Spices, Asserts Stringent Standards
In a statement, FSSAI highlighted the differentiation in MRLs for pesticides across various food commodities, emphasizing the meticulous risk assessments conducted to establish these limits.
- By PharmaNews Live Desk
- New Delhi
- May 07, 2024
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has dismissed allegations circulating online regarding the allowance of high pesticide residue in Indian herbs and spices as "false and malicious." Reacting to reports suggesting a tenfold increase in pesticide residue tolerance, the food safety authority clarified India's adherence to one of the world's most stringent standards of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs).
In a statement, FSSAI highlighted the differentiation in MRLs for pesticides across various food commodities, emphasizing the meticulous risk assessments conducted to establish these limits.
India maintains rigorous pesticide regulation to ensure public health protection, a stance reaffirmed by the authority in response to recent findings by the Center for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong. The discovery of ethylene oxide, a banned pesticide, in pre-packaged spice products from notable Indian brands prompted concerns.
FSSAI underscored that the establishment of MRLs involves comprehensive risk assessments led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, taking into account dietary patterns and health considerations across different age groups in India. India's regulatory framework encompasses over 295 registered pesticides, with 139 approved for spice use alone.
Furthermore, FSSAI stressed the registration of pesticides for specific crops with varying MRLs based on risk assessment data. Notably, the pesticide Monocrotophos exhibits differing MRLs for crops such as rice, citrus fruits, coffee beans, and cardamom.
To address concerns regarding unregistered pesticides, FSSAI aligns MRLs with international standards set by organizations like the Codex Alimentarius Commission. These standards undergo regular updates based on scientific data, ensuring compliance with global norms and reflecting the latest advancements in food safety.
In light of recent Codex updates, FSSAI reiterated its commitment to aligning with international standards and emphasized the scientific validity of MRL revisions to uphold food safety and quality standards in India.