Govt emphasises on curbing food adulteration

FSSAI has received a study report titled ‘Monitoring of Pesticide residues at National Level’

As  per Regulation 2.3.6 of Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011, fresh fruits and vegetables shall be free from rotting and free from coating of waxes, mineral oil and colours. 

The regulations allow that fresh fruits may be coated with bees wax (white and yellow) or carnauba wax or shellac wax at levels not exceeding Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) under proper label declaration as provided in Regulation 2.4.5 (44) of Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has received a study report titled ‘Monitoring of Pesticide residues at National Level’ conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare which has been shared with Commissioner of Food Safety of States/UTs for targeted special enforcement drives particularly at locations where pesticides residues were found to be above maximum residue limits.

Regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection and sampling of all food items including fruits and vegetables have been carried out by the officials of States/UTs and penal action is taken against non-compliant samples.

FSSAI has been urging State/UT Governments to keep a strict vigil by regularly drawing food samples including fruits and vegetables from all sources viz. manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers and to take strict action against the offenders.