FSSAI dismisses claims of allowing higher MRL in herbs and spices as unfounded.

New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has recently addressed rumors circulating in the media. These rumors claim that the authority has allowed higher levels of pesticide residues in our beloved herbs and spices. In a press release, the FSSAI has deemed these reports as "false and malicious" and has reassured the public that India has one of the strictest Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) standards in the world.

The FSSAI further explained that the MRLs for pesticides are determined based on thorough risk assessments for each food commodity. This means that different foods have different MRLs depending on their level of risk. The authority also clarified that the recent ban by the Hong Kong food regulator on specific spice blends from two well-known Indian brands, MDH and Everest, was due to residues of pesticide ethylene oxide found in their samples.

It is important to note that the regulation of pesticides in India falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. They oversee this through the Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee, which was established under the Insecticide Act of 1968. This organization is in charge of monitoring the manufacturing, import, transportation, and storage of pesticides, as well as registering, banning, or restricting their use.

The FSSAI's Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residues works closely with the Registration Committee and conducts thorough risk assessments on data to determine appropriate MRLs. To date, the Committee has registered over 295 pesticides, with 139 of them specifically approved for use in spices. The authority is constantly working towards ensuring the safety and quality of our food products, including herbs and spices.

In conclusion, the FSSAI has made it clear that the rumors about higher pesticide residues in herbs and spices are false and that India has stringent standards in place to regulate their use. The authority remains dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of the public and will continue to work towards maintaining the highest standards in food safety.

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