By Rupin Chopra and Apalka Bareja
Introduction
Spices have traditionally been essential to international trade because they add flavour to otherwise boring food. From the spicy bite of chilies to the warmth of cinnamon, these culinary jewels have enthralled palates all across the world. The spice trade is still a thriving, dynamic industry with plenty of opportunity for new business owners as well as established companies.
India dominates spice exports across the world with distinct tastes and rich food traditions. India is world’s greatest producer, consumer and exporter of spices.
In 2020–2021, the export of spices from India reached an all-time high of US $ 4.0 billion for the first time in its history. The trend persisted in 2022–2023 as well. The nation exported 1404357 tons of spices and spice-related products worth Rs. 31761 crore (or 3952.60 million US dollars).[1] India is the largest exporter of spices, followed by China and Vietnam. In 2023- 2024 fiscal year, India has registered a 41% jump in its exports of spices and spice products.[2]
The Regulator of Spices in India-
The FSSAI is responsible for creating guidelines to guarantee food safety (including spices) as well as controlling the production, distribution, sale, and import of food items. Earlier in April, FSSAI through its order increased the maximum level of residue in Pesticides by 10 times for the pesticides not registered with CIB and RC.
FSSAI increased the level of pesticide residues after recommendation of a scientific panel on pesticide residues, which comprised members from Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare’s Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB and RC).
FSSAI order dated April 8, 2024 for: Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for Spices and Culinary Herbs
- The maximum amount of pesticide residues that can be found in spices and herbs has been increased tenfold by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for the pesticides that are not on record or registered with the Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee (CIB & RC).
- This increase is only authorized for pesticides whose levels are not currently governed by domestic or international rules and the one that are not registered in India with the Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee (CIB & RC).
- The maximum residue level (MRL) for spices was raised by the FSSAI last month from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg for the pesticides those are not registered; the MRL for other food products stays at 0.01 mg/kg.
- According to the order from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the international Codex Alimentarius Commission standards would be applied to pesticides that are registered with the ministry of agriculture but do not have maximum residue limits (MRL) under Indian regulations for spices.
- In the event that the Codex does not specify it, the MRL of 0.1 mg/kg will be used. Pesticides that are not registered with the Ministry of Agriculture shall be subject to the MRL of 0.1 mg/kg.
Conclusion
India’s spice export business depends on taking benefit of opportunities and controlling risks. The worldwide market has enormous potential, but success is dependent on a number of variables. India has one of the most stringent standards for pesticide residue limits globally. MRL’s are not a one size fits- all approach. The allowed level of pesticide residue vary depending upon the specific pesticide and food item. Every stage is critical, from identifying market trends and complying with laws to guaranteeing excellent product quality and creating dependable supply networks.
Aishwarya Rajput, S.S. Rana & Co. has assisted in the research of this article.
[1] Available at https://www.indianspices.com/box2info.html
[3] Available at https://fssai.gov.in/upload/advisories/2024/04/6616351c775b5Order%20MRL%20Spices%20and%20culinary%20herbs.pdf
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