Report

The government reported on Friday that food safety authorities identified over 1,500 substandard spice samples in the past two years. Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav informed the Lok Sabha that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) tested 23,898 spice samples during 2022-23 and 2023-24. Officials found 1,241 samples unsafe, with 534 failing in 2022-23 and 707 in 2023-24. Authorities also classified 1,559 samples as substandard, including 743 from 2022-23 and 816 from 2023-24.

FSSAI Strengthens Food Safety Measures

FSSAI continues to conduct surveillance, inspections, and random sampling of food products, including spice, to enforce quality and safety standards under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. When food samples fail compliance tests, authorities impose strict penalties on violating Food Business Operators.

Pesticide Residue Limits and Regulatory Updates

To control pesticide residues in food, FSSAI has established Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) under the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulation, 2011. The agency regularly updates these limits based on evolving scientific research. In September 2024, FSSAI issued a draft notification revising MRLs for pesticides in food products, including spice.

Aligning with Global Food Safety Standards

FSSAI develops national food safety standards based on risk assessments conducted by Scientific Panels and the Scientific Committee under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. These standards align with internationally recognized Codex guidelines to ensure food safety compliance. FSSAI has implemented a Risk-Based Inspection System (RBIS), requiring annual inspections of food businesses operating in nine high-risk food categories. To enhance enforcement, the agency mandates that each Food Safety Officer collects at least 25 samples per month to strengthen food safety monitoring.

Source: The New Indian Express