Did FSSAI Really Test 86,401 Food Samples for Pesticide Residues?
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Synopsis
The FSSAI's recent findings reveal that a notable percentage of food samples tested for pesticide residues exceeded safety limits. With ongoing efforts to monitor food safety, this highlights the importance of vigilance in food consumption.
Key Takeaways
- FSSAI tested 86,401 food samples for pesticide residues.
- 2.8% of samples exceeded safety limits.
- Regular monitoring is conducted during peak seasons.
- Regulatory actions are taken against non-compliance.
- MPRNL project oversees pesticide residue monitoring.
New Delhi, Aug 6 (NationPress) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducted tests on 86,401 food samples for pesticide residues spanning the years 2022 to 2025, as disclosed by the government in Parliament on Wednesday.
In a written statement to the Rajya Sabha, Prataprao Jadhav, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, reported that 2.8 percent of these samples exceeded permissible limits.
“FSSAI, through its regional offices and State/UT Food Safety authorities, carries out ongoing surveillance, monitoring, inspection, random sampling of food products, and targeted enforcement activities, particularly during peak demand seasons, to ensure adherence to the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, along with the associated Rules and Regulations,” Jadhav stated.
“From 2022 to 2025, a total of 86,401 samples from various food products were gathered and scrutinized for pesticide residues, with 2.8 percent of these samples exceeding the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) established by FSSAI,” he elaborated.
FSSAI sets the MRLs for pesticides on food products under the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulation, 2011, following comprehensive risk assessments.
Jadhav pointed out that FSSAI, as part of the National Annual Surveillance Plan (NASP), has also been executing monthly nationwide surveillance initiatives on various food items to evaluate compliance with the relevant provisions of FSS Regulations.
“If any non-compliance is identified during these surveillance activities, enforcement sampling follows for the non-compliant samples. Should these enforcement samples also be found lacking, regulatory measures are taken against the non-compliant Food Business Operators (FBOs) in accordance with the provisions of the FSS Act 2006 and its associated Rules and Regulations,” the Minister explained.
Additionally, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) has financed a project titled “Monitoring of Pesticide Residues at National Level” (MPRNL) to oversee pesticide residues in various food items.
Through the MPRNL initiative, samples of food products including vegetables, fruits, spices, cereals, pulses, herbs, fish/marine, meat and eggs, tea, and milk are collected from different regions of the country by 35 participating laboratories and analyzed for potential pesticide residues by NABL accredited testing laboratories.
Point of View
The FSSAI's rigorous testing and monitoring of food safety standards reflect a commitment to public health. While the detection of pesticide residues exceeding limits is concerning, the proactive measures taken by FSSAI to ensure compliance demonstrate a responsible approach to food safety that prioritizes consumer trust.
NationPress
29/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of FSSAI?
The FSSAI is responsible for regulating and ensuring food safety standards in India, including monitoring pesticide residues in food products.
What are Maximum Residue Limits (MRL)?
MRLs are the maximum levels of pesticide residues that are legally permitted in food products, established to ensure consumer safety.
How often does FSSAI test food products?
FSSAI conducts regular surveillance and testing of food products, especially during peak demand seasons.
What happens if non-compliance is detected?
If non-compliance is found, regulatory actions are initiated against the Food Business Operators as per the FSS Act.
What types of food are tested for pesticide residues?
FSSAI tests a variety of food commodities, including vegetables, fruits, spices, cereals, and more, for pesticide residues.
