FSSAI’s recent decision to increase pesticide levels in Indian spices has sparked controversy.
India's FSSAI has increased the pesticide residue limit for spices, elevating it from 0.01 to 0.1 mg/kg. This major change could impact exports.
With higher pesticide limits, Indian spices may face more rejections in key international markets, complicating trade dynamics.
Experts warn that the new pesticide thresholds could pose serious health risks to consumers of these spices.
FSSAI cites "several representations" as the basis for its decision, but specifics remain undisclosed, sparking debates.
Countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Maldives have banned MDH and Everest spices due to high pesticide content.
Despite MDH's claims of safety, international regulators disagree, pointing to dangerous levels of ethylene oxide.
Activists urge FSSAI to release data justifying the pesticide limit increase, emphasizing the need for transparency.
FSSAI however has denied claims of high pesticide residue in spices and called these claims falls and malicious.