MDH: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clarified that it allows 10 times more pesticide residue levels in herbs and spices, stating that it has one of the most stringent standards of Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) of pesticides. The MRLs of pesticides are fixed differently for different food commodities based on their risk assessments. India has registered over 295 pesticides, with 139 approved for use in spices alone.
FSSAI terms reports of allowing 10 times more MRL in herbs, spices ’baseless’ The clarification comes after the Hong Kong food regulator banned MDH and Everest
According to sources, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is planning surveillance on food items like fruit and vegetables, salmonella in fish products; spice and culinary herbs; fortified rice; and milk and milk products.
Dabur Spices: Dabur India assured that all its spices meet the regulations set by the FSSAI for the Indian market and by the Spice Board of India for overseas markets. CEO Mohit Malhotra stated that export consignments undergo testing by the Spice Board before shipment, ensuring compliance with regulations. The company uses steam sterilization for export consignments and has established an in-house micro lab for microbial testing.
Nestle India has sought to defend the extra sugar in its baby food `Cerelac’ sold in India, blaming it on the guidelines prescribed by regulators in this country versus regulators in other countries.