FSSAI Increased Pesticide Limits

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently raised the maximum residue limit (MRL) for pesticides in Indian spices from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg, as reported by the Economics Times. This tenfold increase in pesticide limits could lead to more rejections of Indian spices in export markets and may also facilitate the import of spices with higher pesticide levels.

According to Dileep Kumar, CEO of Pesticide Action Network, this relaxation could have significant repercussions, especially in large export markets. The decision to increase the MRL was based on various representations, as stated by the FSSAI, although the specific sources of these representations were not disclosed in the report.

Critics, including Amit Khurana from the Centre for Science and Environment, have raised concerns about the health implications of this move. Khurana emphasized the need for the FSSAI to provide data justifying the decision to significantly raise the MRL for pesticides.

This development comes on the heels of recent bans imposed by Hong Kong, Singapore, and Maldives on the sale of MDH and Everest brands of spices due to high pesticide content, specifically ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen. Despite these bans, MDH has maintained that their products are safe for consumption.

The FSSAI’s decision to increase pesticide limits raises questions about food safety standards and the potential health risks associated with consuming spices with higher pesticide residues.

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