Recent media reports alleging high pesticide residue levels in Indian spices have prompted a swift response from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which has categorically refuted the claims and labeled them as malicious and false.
Stringent Standards and Oversight
In a statement addressing the controversy, the FSSAI reiterated India’s stringent standards regarding Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides in food commodities. Contrary to the reports, the FSSAI emphasized that India’s MRLs are among the strictest globally and are tailored to individual food commodities based on rigorous risk analysis.
Regulatory Framework
Pesticides in India are governed by the Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee (CIB and RC), established under the Insecticide Act of 1968 and operating under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA and FW). This regulatory body oversees the production, importation, transit, and storage of pesticides, with the authority to register, prohibit, or limit their use.
Response to Bans and Recalls
The FSSAI’s statement comes in the wake of bans imposed by the Hong Kong food authority on certain spice blends from prominent Indian brands like MDH and Everest, following the alleged detection of pesticide residues, specifically ethylene oxide, in their products. Additionally, the Singaporean food regulator has recalled one spice product under the Everest brand.
Ongoing Quality Assurance Measures
To ensure compliance with quality standards, the FSSAI is conducting sampling of branded spices available in the local market, including those from MDH and Everest. However, it’s important to note that the FSSAI’s jurisdiction is limited to domestically sold spices, with no control over exported products.
Unique Risk Analysis
The Union Health Ministry emphasized that MRLs are determined based on individual risk analysis of food products, considering factors such as dietary habits and health concerns across different age groups. Various food commodities have registered pesticides with differing MRLs, reflecting the diversity of risk assessment information.
Example of Varied MRLs
For instance, the pesticide Monocrotophos is permitted on various crops with distinct MRLs, ranging from 0.03 mg/kg for rice to 0.5 mg/kg for cardamom. In cases where MRLs are not individually established, a standard limit of 0.01 mg/kg applies, with an exception raised to 0.1 mg/kg solely for unregistered spices in the country.
As the debate surrounding pesticide levels in spices unfolds, the FSSAI’s reassurance and commitment to stringent standards underscore its dedication to safeguarding public health and ensuring the integrity of India’s food supply chain.
