The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently announced a significant update regarding the permissible pesticide limits in herbs and spices. In a bid to ensure food safety while also addressing industry concerns, FSSAI has revised the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in these essential culinary ingredients. This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to regulate and monitor the quality of food products across India, aiming to strike a balance between public health protection and supporting agricultural practices. The adjustment in pesticide thresholds reflects a nuanced approach by FSSAI, acknowledging the complexities of agricultural production while upholding stringent standards for consumer well-being.
Tags: GS Paper – 3, Health– Environmental Pollution & Degradation
For Prelims: Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Pesticide Poisoning, Codex Alimentarius, Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, State Food Safety Index.
For Mains: Threat of pesticide poisoning, FSSAI mandate and its working in ensuring food safety.
Context:
- The Food Safety Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) recent decision to raise the maximum residue limit (MRL) of pesticides has drawn criticism from activists and scientists over health risks and trade consequences.
- The order increased the MRL for pesticides in herbs and spices tenfold, from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg.
The Issue Regarding the FSSAI Order:
- Inconsistencies in FSSAI’s Previous Stance:
- Previously, FSSAI acknowledged the lack of field trial data for most Indian pesticides and suggested using Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) established by Codex Alimentarius in April 2022.
- However, the latest order diverges from this approach specifically for spices and herbs.
- Data Transparency and Reliability:
- The maximum residue limit (MRL) of pesticides for food and commodities, including spices and culinary herbs, is set under the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulation, 2011.
- This regulation relies on field trial data provided by the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC), which raises concerns about conflicts of interest as these studies often originate from pesticide companies.
- Although the Centre’s Monitoring of Pesticide Residues at the National Level (MPRNL) monitors pesticide levels in food, it does not include spices and lacks comprehensive data.
- Impact on Consumers and Trade:
- Countries with stringent pesticide regulations, such as Europe, have rejected Indian products surpassing their MRLs, leading to recent recalls of Indian food items containing excessive pesticide residues.
- For instance, in April 2024, several prominent Indian spice firms faced bans in Singapore and Hong Kong due to allegedly containing the pesticide ‘ethylene oxide’ beyond permissible limits.
- Ethylene Oxide is a hazardous pesticide unsuitable for human consumption, with prolonged exposure potentially leading to cancer
- Pesticide poisoning refers to the harmful effects on humans or animals resulting from exposure to pesticides, which are chemical or biological substances used to prevent, destroy, or control pests in agriculture and other areas.
What about the Pesticides?
About Pesticides:
- Pesticides have both agricultural and non-agricultural uses but can pose serious risks to human health and the environment if misused, overused, or sold illegally.
Pesticide Regulation in India:
- Regulated under the Insecticides Act, 1968, and Insecticides Rules, 1971, covering registration, manufacture, and sale.
- Administered by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Types of Pesticides:
- Insecticides: Protect plants from insects and pests.
- Fungicides: Control fungal diseases in plants.
- Herbicides: Kill or control weed growth.
- Bio-Pesticides: Biological origin pesticides derived from animals, plants, bacteria, etc.
- Others: Include plant growth regulators, nematicides, rodenticides, and fumigants.
Concept of Pesticide Poisoning:
- Adverse health effects from pesticide exposure include cancer, reproductive effects, and damage to the immune or nervous systems.
- According to WHO, pesticide poisoning is a leading cause of death among agricultural workers globally.
Types of Pesticide Poisoning:
- Acute Poisoning: Resulting from ingestion, inhalation, or contact with a large amount of pesticide over a short period.
- Chronic Poisoning: Occurs due to prolonged exposure to low doses of pesticides, leading to organ and systemic damage over time.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India:
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to regulate food safety and standards in India.
- It replaced older acts like the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, and operates under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Mandate: Regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food articles. Establish standards to ensure food safety across the country.
- Structure and Organization: Comprises 22 members and a Chairperson, with one-third of the members mandated to be women.
- Functions:
- Setting Food Safety Standards: Formulate regulations to enforce food safety standards nationwide.
- Food Testing Accreditation: Establish guidelines for accrediting food testing laboratories.
- Inspecting Authority Powers: Empower food safety officers to inspect places where food products are manufactured, stored, or exhibited.
- Food Safety Research: Conduct research in food safety standards through the Research and Development division, aiming to align with international standards.
- Identifying Threats: Collect data on food consumption, contamination, emerging risks, etc., to identify potential threats to food safety
Events and Campaigns of FSSAI:
- World Food Safety Day.
- Eat Right India.
- Eat at the Right Station.
- Eat Right Mela.
- State Food Safety Index.
- RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil).
- Food Safety Mitra.
- 100 Food Streets.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question
Prelims:
Q:1 Consider the following statements: (2018)
- The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
Mains:
Q.1 Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (2021)
FAQs
Q1: Why has FSSAI increased pesticide limits in herbs and spices?
A1: FSSAI has increased pesticide limits to align with global standards and ensure food safety without compromising trade.
Q2: How will the increased pesticide limits impact consumers?
A2: Consumers can expect safer herbs and spices with controlled pesticide levels, reducing health risks associated with excessive pesticide consumption.
Q3: What measures will FSSAI implement to enforce these new limits?
A3: FSSAI will enhance monitoring, testing, and regulation to enforce compliance with the revised pesticide limits effectively.
Q4: Will this change affect the pricing of herbs and spices?
A4: While implementation costs may affect prices initially, the long-term benefits of improved food safety outweigh potential short-term increases.
Q5: What steps can consumers take to ensure the safety of herbs and spices?
A5: Consumers should buy certified organic products, wash herbs and spices thoroughly, and support FSSAI’s efforts by reporting any concerns regarding pesticide levels.
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