Monitoring the sale of fresh fruit & vegetables, for presence of pesticides residues, non-permitted wax coating, non-permitted artificial ripened and artificial colours, in the market- (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) (21 Nov 2023)

MANU/HFAM/0210/2023

Civil

This is in continuation to the directions/letters issued regarding 'Request for action against unauthorised use of artificial fruit ripening agents' RCD-15001/6/2021- Regulatory-FSSAI-Part 2 (E-1788), dated 03.04.2023 and 'Monitoring the sale of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in the Markets - Reg.' vide no. RCD-02005/1/2023-Regulatory- FSSAI, dated 24.07.2023. Copies of the same are enclosed for ready reference.

In the above context, to curb the menace of excess use of pesticides, non-permitted wax coating, non-permitted artificial ripener and artificial colours, it is again tested to keep strict vigil in your State/UT on FBO's who are engaged in manufacturing / re-packing fresh / surface treated / minimally processed Fruits & Vegetables. Therefore, surveillance / enforcement activities may be undertaken from time to time in a planned manner to ensure that the Fruit & Vegetables being sold under your jurisdictions comply with the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 or of any Rules or Regulations made thereunder.

In addition to the above, awareness building measures through Information, Education & Communication (IEC) activities under Eat Right India Initiatives may be conducted from time to time to educate the FBOs and consumers about the above issues.

Tags : PESTICIDES NON-PERMITTED WAX COATING NON-PERMITTED ARTIFICIAL RIPENED ARTIFICIAL COLOURS MONITORING