(MENAFN- KNN India) Pulses and beans imported into India are safe, no presence of glyphosate in these commodities: FSSAI
New Delhi, Nov 17 (KNN)Pulses and beans imported into India are safe. There is no concern regarding the presence of glyphosate in these commodities. This is based on results of testing of these products over the past one month by the food safety and standard authority of India (FSSAI).
Speaking on the issue, FSSAI, CEO, Pawan Agarwal reassured that such monitoring of pulses for glyphosate will continue for some more time till it is established for sure that there are no residues of glyphosate in imported pulses.
Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide which is used to kill weeds, especially annual broadleaf weeds and grasses that compete with crops.
In India, as per Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC), Herbicide 'Glyphosate is registered under section 9(3) of the Insecticide Act, 1968 and Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011, prescribes Maximum Residue Level (MRL) of 1.0 mg/kg for the presence of Glyphosate in Tea.
There are no prescribed MRLs for 'Glyphosate for pulses in Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011. So, considering representations received in FSSAI concerning high levels of Glyphosate in imported pulses, an order dated 12.10.18 was issued by FSSAI, wherein MRL for glyphosate in pulses as specified by Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) would be considered for testing of pulses until FSSAI specify its own limits.
Authorised Officers at ports have been directed to monitor and share data with FSSAI, HQ every 15 days for the presence of Glyphosate in imported pulses.
If sample is found conforming, No Objection Certificate (NOC) is generated and if not, Non-Conforming Report (NCR) is generated.
FSSAI, CEO expressed concern that the order dated 12 October 2018 was misreported by certain sections of media which creates a scare among public at large about safety of pulses.
He hoped that the media is more circumspect while reporting on the issue of food safety so that public trust in food available in the market is maintained.
He also pointed out that FSSAI will soon organize a workshop for media professionals on risk communication around food safety to build media capacity on responsible reporting of issues on food safety.
FSSAI had instructed its import offices at ports to start monitoring for presence of glyphosate for pulses and beans last month. Pulses and beans are imported into India mainly through Mumbai, Chennai and Tuticorin.
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