FSSAI Denies Reports of Higher Pesticide Residues in Herbs and Spices

New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has strongly refuted recent media reports alleging that it permitted higher pesticide residues in herbs and spices. Terming the reports as “false and malicious,” the FSSAI, in a press statement, emphasized that India maintains one of the most rigorous standards of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) globally, with pesticide MRLs determined based on comprehensive risk assessments.

In India, the regulation of pesticides falls under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA and FW) through the Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee (CIB and RC), established under the Insecticide Act of 1968. The CIB and RC are responsible for overseeing the production, importation, transportation, and storage of pesticides, with the authority to register, ban, or impose restrictions on them as deemed necessary.

Currently, the FSSAI is actively procuring samples of branded spices, including products from MDH and Everest, sold domestically, to ensure compliance with quality standards. However, it’s essential to note that the FSSAI does not regulate the quality of spices intended for export.

In a statement, the Union Health Ministry underscored that maximum residue limits vary for different food products based on individual risk assessments.

“Some media reports are claiming that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) allows 10 times more pesticide residue in herbs and spices. Such reports are false and malicious,” the ministry clarified.

India maintains stringent standards for Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), the ministry affirmed, emphasizing the rigorous process involved in determining pesticide residue limits. The FSSAI’s scientific panel on pesticide residues carefully examines data provided by the CIB and RC and recommends MRLs following thorough risk assessments.