The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011, specifically focusing on pesticide residues.
Key Changes Introduced by the Draft Amendment
The term “insecticide” has been aligned with the definition provided in the Insecticides Act, 1968.
The use of pesticides or insecticides directly on food articles is generally restricted. However, fumigants registered under the Insecticides Act are exempt.
Tolerance Limits:
- A tolerance limit of 0.01 mg/kg has been set for pesticides/insecticides not registered under the Insecticides Act, except for spices and culinary herbs, which have a tolerance limit of 0.1 mg/kg.
- A table specifying maximum residue limits (MRLs) for certain pesticides/insecticides in specific food items has been introduced.
These amendments aim to ensure that pesticide residues in food products are kept within safe limits, protecting public health. The revised regulations will provide clearer guidelines for food businesses and regulatory authorities regarding the use and monitoring of pesticides.
The FSSAI has invited comments and suggestions on these draft regulations. Interested stakeholders can submit their feedback by November 22, 2024. This feedback shall be provided on FSSAI’s e-platform for comments in the prescribed format.
