(a) whether the European Union have rejected some food consignments from India due to high pesticides residue;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to set up inspection facilities for processed food items to check the recurrence of such incidents;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN)
(a) & (b) European Commission has issued Rapid Alert notices pertaining to excess pesticide residues found in Indian consignments of spices and grapes leading to rejection.
(c) to (e) In order to address quality issues in the food products exports, Government has laid down standards and residue monitoring plans for various processed food items. Government is also providing assistance for establishment/modernisation/technology upgradation of food processing units, setting up of testing/inspection facilities, support for research & development including quality assurance and accreditation under quality certification system, creation of infrastructure, development of human resource etc.