New Delhi, Mar 11 (PTI) About three per cent vegetable samples analysed by the government contained pesticide residues above the maximum limit prescribed by the country's food safety regulator, Lok Sabha was told today.
Health Minister J P Nadda said 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 the annual report of Monitoring of Pesticides Residues at national level, 1.78 per cent and 2.88 per cent samples of all fruits and vegetables respectively analysed contained pesticide residues above the maximum residues limit prescribed by the FSSAI," Nadda said in a written reply.
He said as per available information, pesticides can have adverse effect on the nervous system.
Some pesticides can also cause diseases such as cancer and damage to liver, kidneys and lungs, loss of weight and appetite, irritability, insomnia, behavioral disorders and dermatological problems, Nadda said.
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