THRISSUR: Even as the report by KAU remarked that the quantity of hazardous chemicals was found only in a few samples that were inspected, agricultural experts noted that Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has not fixed the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for several pesticides which were discovered in the condiments in the report. According to the report, samples of pesticides like Ethion and Bifenthrine were found in samples of condiments like chilli powder.
“However, the MRL for the chemicals has not been set. Essentially, they cannot be regulated. This has remained so for the past several years, though efforts are now under way to put a lid on the quantity of the pesticides. This move could reach fruition within a few years,” said an agricultural expert.
Apart from chilli powder, quantities of Bifenthrine, Profenofos and Ethion were discovered in crushed chilli and chlorpyrifos.
Eethion and bifenthrine were discovered in cumin powder. Sweet cumin, Sweet Cumin powder, curry powders, tea leaves displayed the presence of such pesticides with no fixed MRL.