Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether it has come to light that poisonous chemicals/harmful pesticides are used for rapid growth and artificial ripening of fruits, vegetables in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has conducted/likely to conduct any study for assessing the adverse impact of such chemicals on human health; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)
(a) to (d): The Government is aware of some reports indicating use of chemicals for ripening of fruits and presence of more than prescribed level of pesticides in fruits and vegetables. While, no specific data on poisonous chemicals and harmful pesticides is maintained centrally by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), as per annual report of the Monitoring of Pesticides Residues at National Level, a programme being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, for 2014-15, 1.78% and 2.88% samples of all fruits and vegetables respectively analysed contained pesticide residues above the Maximum Residues Limits prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. As per available information, pesticides can have adverse effect on human nervous system. Some pesticides can also cause disease such as cancer; and damage to liver, kidney and lung; loss of weight and appetite; irritability; insomnia; behavioural disorders; and dermatological problems.
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