Maximum residue limit (MRL) of pesticides in herbs

Maximum Residue Limit for pesticides in herbs and spices has been raised by the FSSAI from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg.

About Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of pesticides in herbs and spices:

• MRL is the highest level of a pesticide residue that is legally tolerated in or on food or animal feed when pesticides are applied correctly in accordance with Good Agricultural Practice.
• The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) sets MRLs for all food and animal feed based on recommendations from the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR).
  • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) established the CAC in 1963.

Indian Scenario of MRL:

• The FSSAI is responsible for fixing the MRL of pesticides in India.
• The MRLs are outlined under the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulation, 2011.
• These limits are set based on data from field trials conducted or reported by the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC), under the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Family Welfare.

Issues with increasing MRL:

• It allows for more pesticides to be ingested into the human body with severe health implications.
• Differing MRLs can cause trade issues, with importing countries imposing strict limits raising costs for producers, consumers, and possibly halting trade.

About FSSAI:

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is a statutory body under the administration of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• It regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food articles, while also establishing standards to ensure food safety.
• It was established by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which consolidated all former acts and orders related to food safety that were previously handled by various ministries and departments.

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