Pesticide residue in Indian herbs and spices? Food regulator denounces claims as 'false and malicious'

NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have dismissed reports alleging high pesticide residue in Indian herbs and spices as ‘false and malicious’.
In a press release, the food safety regulator clarified that India maintains stringent standards for Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), tailored to individual food products according to risk assessments.
Pesticides fall under the purview of the ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare, regulated by the central insecticide board and registration committee established under the Insecticide Act of 1968. The process involves the examination of data by the scientific panel on pesticides residues of FSSAI.
Recommendations for MRLs are made following risk assessments, considering dietary habits and health concerns across various age groups in India. With over 295 registered pesticides, including 139 authorized for spice use, the regulations align with Codex standards.
Pesticides are registered across multiple food categories with varying MRLs based on risk assessments. For example, Monocrotophos exhibits different MRLs on rice, citrus fruits, coffee beans, and cardamom, ranging from 0.03 mg/kg to 0.5 mg/kg. Flubendiamide's MRL, similarly, varies among crops like brinjal, Bengal gram, cabbage, tomato, and tea, reflecting different levels of pesticide tolerance.
The FSSAI said that the MRLs undergo regular revision based on scientific evidence, conforming to global standards to ensure validity and alignment with the latest research and international norms.
(With agency inputs)