The Center for Food Safety of the Hong Kong Government has stopped the sale of some Indian spices. It has been said that pesticide ethylene oxide has been found in these spices. It has also been said that there is a risk of cancer from this chemical.
Pesticide Poisoning
- Pesticide is any chemical or biological substance intended to prevent, destroy or control damage from pests which has both agricultural and non-agricultural uses.
- They also pose serious risks to human health and the environment, especially when they are misused, overused, or sold illegally.
Pesticide Regulation in India
- Pesticides are regulated under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and the Insecticides Rules, 1971.
- The Insecticides Act of 1968 covers the registration, manufacture and sale of pesticides in India.
- The Act is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Types of Pesticides
- Insecticides: The chemicals that are used to protect plants from insects and pests are known as Insecticides.
- Fungicides: This class of crop protection chemicals is used to control the spread of fungal diseases in plants.
- Herbicides: Herbicides are chemicals that kill or control the growth of weeds in the cultivation area.
- Bio-Pesticides: They are pesticides of biological origin, i.e., derived from animals, plants, bacteria etc.
- Others: This includes plant growth regulators, nematicides, rodenticides and fumigants.
Concept of Pesticide Poisoning
- Pesticide poisoning is a term that refers to the adverse effects of exposure to pesticides on humans or animals.
- Pesticide exposure can cause adverse health effects including cancer, effects on reproduction, and immune or nervous systems.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pesticide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death among agricultural workers worldwide.
Types of Pesticide Poisoning
- Acute poisoning occurs when a person ingests, inhales, or comes into contact with a large amount of pesticide in a short period.
- Chronic poisoning occurs when a person is exposed to low doses of pesticide over a long period, which can cause damage to various organs and systems in the body.
Spice Trade and India
- India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices in the world. During 2022-23, the country exported 1404357 tons of spices/spice products valued at Rs.31761 crore (3952.60 million US$).
- During 2022-23, the single largest spice exported from India was chilli, followed by cumins and Oleoresins.
Major markets of Indian Spices
- India exports spices to more than 180 countries,
- In 2022-23, China was the largest importer of Indian spices, followed by the USA, Bangladesh, the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UK, and Sri Lanka.
- The largest spice-producing states in India were Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body formed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced acts like the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act,1954, Fruit Products Order, 1955, Meat Food Products Order, 1973.
- It operates under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Mandate
- The FSSAI has the mandate of regulating the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food articles, and also establishing standards to ensure food safety.
Structure and Organization
- It is made up of 22 members and a Chairperson. One-third of the members must be women.
Functions
- Setting Food Safety Standards: It has the power to lay down regulations to implement food safety standards in the country.
- Food Testing Accreditation: It has the power to set up guidelines for the accreditation of food testing laboratories in the country.
- Inspecting Authority Powers: Food safety officers have the right to enter and inspect any place where food products are manufactured, stored, or exhibited.
- Food Safety Research: The Research and Development division of FSSAI is responsible for research in the field of food safety standards. They continuously try to adopt international food standards.
- Identifying Threats: The FSSAI is required to collect data regarding food consumption, contamination, emerging risks, etc.