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The government has asserted that India has one of the most stringent norms for pesticides residues in food items and rejected reports suggesting that food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) allows high level of residues in spices and herbs.

The clarification comes amid a ban imposed by the Hong Kong food regulator on certain spice mix of two leading Indian brands MDH and Everest on alleged presence of pesticide Ethylene Oxide in their samples. The Singapore food regulator too ordered a recall of one spice product of the Everest brand. FSSAI is currently collecting samples of branded spices, including that of MDH and Everest, sold in the domestic markets to ensure they comply with its quality norms. It does not regulate the quality of exported spices.

The Union Health Ministry clarified that maximum residue limits are different for various food products based on risk assessment. The ministry said ‘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.’

It asserted India has one of the most stringent standards of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in the world. The ministry stated ‘MRLs of pesticides are fixed differently for different food commodities based on their risk assessments.’