FSSAI calls reports of allowing 10x more MRL in herbs, spices as 'false and malicious'; says India has most 'stringent standards'

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clarified that it allows 10 times more pesticide residue levels in herbs and spices, stating that it has one of the most stringent standards of Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) of pesticides. The MRLs of pesticides are fixed differently for different food commodities based on their risk assessments. India has registered over 295 pesticides, with 139 approved for use in spices alone.