FSSAI calls reports of allowing 10x more MRL in herbs, spices as 'false and malicious'; says India has most 'stringent standards'
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Sunday clarified on reports which stated that it allows 10 times more pesticide residue level in herbs and spices, calling them false and malicious.
The food regulator has said that it has one of the most stringent standards of Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) of pesticides.
The MRLs of pesticides are fixed differently for different food commodities based on their risk assessments, it added.
The FSSAI also said that its Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residues meticulously evaluates data provided by the CIB & RC to determine appropriate MRLs for different food commodities, including spices.
India has registered over 295 pesticides, with 139 approved for use in spices alone, the regulator said. These pesticides are subject to varying MRLs based on the specific crop and risk assessment data.
FSSAI, in an order issued on April 8, had diluted its pesticide norms for herbs and spices by increasing the maximum level of a pesticide residue allowed by 10 times, a move that activists say will make Indian spices unworthy of exports to some large markets.
The FSSAI has raised the maximum residue limit (MRL) for a pesticide in herbs and spices to 0.1mg/kg from the earlier 0.01mg/kg, ET had reported.
"...if the MRLs are not specified by the codex, then the MRL of 0.1 mg shall apply for spices and culinary herbs and spices," the regulator had said in an order issued on April 8. It cited «various representations» for this upward revision in MRL.
However, in its
