(a) whether the Group of Experts constituted to suggest the extent of
maximum residue limits of pesticides in cold drinks has presented its report;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the soft drink producers are violating the maximum limit as
suggested by the said Group/Committee;
(d) if so, whether the Government is contemplating to take any penal action
against the said companies; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 584
FOR .16.5.2007
The Group of experts constituted by the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare has recommended maximum limits of 1 ppb for individual pesticides
a-HCH, p-HCH, Y-HCH, 8-HCH, DDT-R, Chlorpyriphos, Malathion and Endosulfan.
The samples of soft drinks checked by the Committee are within these
prescribed limits.
The water used for producing carbonated water has to conform to the
standards prescribed for packaged drinking water under Prevention of
Food Adulteration (PFA) Rules, 1955.
Samples of soft drinks checked by the Ministry in 2006 at various Central
and State Labs were within these prescribed limits.
At present the Maximum Residues Limits for pesticides in carbonated water
has not been prescribed under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules,
1955. Any regulatory action regarding soft drinks may be taken in this regard
only after the limits for pesticides are prescribed under PFA Rules.