Most common pesticides in spices

Introduction

Spices play a crucial role in enhancing the flavour and aroma of various cuisines around the world. As a result, the demand for spices has risen significantly, leading to increased cultivation and production. However, this surge in production also brings about concerns related to the use of pesticides in spice cultivation. Pesticides are substances used to control or eliminate pests, including insects, weeds, and fungi, which can affect crop yield and quality.

Here are some of the most common pesticides that may be used on spices

• Organophosphates: These pesticides are commonly used in spice cultivation to control insects. Examples include chlorpyrifos and malathion.
• Pyrethroids: Another class of insecticides, pyrethroids, such as cypermethrin and deltamethrin, are used to combat pests in spice crops.
• Fungicides: To prevent and manage fungal infections, fungicides like thiabendazole and mancozeb are employed in spice cultivation.
• Herbicides: Weed control is essential in spice farms, and herbicides like glyphosate and atrazine are used for this purpose.

Significance of Testing for Pesticides in Spices

1. Protecting Consumer Health:

• Minimizes exposure risk: Identifying and monitoring pesticide levels ensures compliance with safe regulatory limits, preventing health issues such as neurological impacts, endocrine disruption, and potential carcinogenic effects.

2. Ensuring Public Trust and Transparency:

• Builds consumer confidence: Regular testing demonstrates a commitment to food safety, fostering public trust and transparency in the food industry.
• Early detection and removal: Swift action can be taken if testing reveals excessive pesticide residues, preventing contaminated spice products from reaching consumers.

3.Environmental Protection

• Reduces environmental impact: Monitoring and regulating pesticide use help minimize soil, water, and air pollution, safeguarding ecosystems and wildlife.
• Promotes sustainable practices: Understanding residue presence encourages the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM), emphasizing natural methods and reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides for a more sustainable agricultural system. 

Controversy Surrounding FSSAI's Revised Pesticide Residue Limits in Indian Herbs and Spices

The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently faced criticism for its decision to raise the permissible pesticide residue limits in herbs and spices from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg. This move, announced on April 8, 2024, has sparked significant concern among activists and scientists regarding potential health risks and trade implications. Critics argue that the decision lacks sufficient supporting data and transparency, relying heavily on data from the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC), which is often supplied by pesticide manufacturers. Moreover, the Monitoring of Pesticide Residues at National Level (MPRNL) scheme, which informs MRLs for some pesticides, does not cover all relevant substances and excludes spices, further undermining the credibility of the new limits. Activists are demanding stricter regulations, including zero MRLs for unapproved pesticides and a detailed impact study on both health and trade consequences.

Case study

Highly toxic insecticide residues have been found in spices and condiments available in Kerala, as revealed by tests conducted by Kerala Agricultural University. The findings indicated high levels of methyl parathion residues in branded dry ginger powder (chukku podi), ranging from 1.1 to 4.85 mg/kg, which is an extremely toxic organo-phosphate banned by the State government in 2011. Additionally, residues of three pesticides (chlorpyriphos, quinalphos, and cypermethrin) were found in a packet of Kasuri Methi, suggesting pesticide application either at the farm level or during storage. Furthermore, a packet of branded tea contained ethion, an organophosphate insecticide used by chilli farmers

Market Overview

In 2022, the global pesticides residue testing market achieved a valuation of USD 1,636.15 million. Looking ahead to 2032, the market is anticipated to undergo robust growth, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. This growth trajectory is primarily attributed to the escalating global demand for enhanced food safety measures

Standards and Regulations 

 FSSAI recently circulated a list of 20 banned Pesticides in this context.

• Aldicarb-Aldrin, Dieldrin, Chlordane, Heptachlor, Lindane, Endosulfan, Carbofuran, Methomyl, Phosphamidon, Captafol, Ferbam, Formothion, Simazine, Diazinon, DDT, Fenitrothion, Fenthion, Methyl Parathion, Ethyl Parathion and Monocrotophos

Note : The Extraneous MRL of the above mentioned banned insecticides shall be 0.01

mg/kg except for DDT for which it shall be 0.05 mg/kg.

https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/advisories/2023/12/656dbd1d58845Order%20for%20testing%20banned%20pesticides.pdf

Mandatory and Optional analyses

Mandatory Analyses

• Organophosphates: Malathion, Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon
• Organochlorines: DDT (banned in many countries but still relevant for testing purposes)
• Pyrethroids: Cypermethrin

Optional Analyses

• Neonicotinoids: Imidacloprid (due to growing concerns)
• Emerging Contaminants: Fipronil (a recently identified pesticide of concern)
• Confirmation Analysis: If preliminary tests indicate the presence of any pesticide, further analysis to confirm the specific identity might be necessary.

Testing methods

• Chromatographic Separation: Employ techniques like gas chromatography (GC) or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to separate individual pesticides.
• Detection and Quantification: Utilize specific detectors (e.g., mass spectrometry) to identify and measure the amount of each pesticide present.

Eurofins role in testing common pesticides in spices

Eurofins, a global leader in food testing services, plays a significant role in testing common pesticides in spices. They offer a comprehensive range of services to ensure the safety and compliance of spices for consumers. Here's how Eurofins contributes to this process:

1. Expertise and Experience:

• Eurofins boasts a global network of over 800 laboratories with dedicated expertise in spice testing.
• Their Competence Centre, equipped with highly skilled personnel and advanced technology, specifically focuses on analyzing complex matrices like spices.
• This extensive experience allows them to handle diverse spices and apply the appropriate analytical strategies for accurate pesticide detection.

2. Capabilities and Technology:

• Eurofins offers a wide range of targeted and multi-residue testing options to identify various common pesticides in spices.
• They employ advanced analytical techniques like gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) for precise detection and measurement of pesticides.
• This advanced technology allows them to detect even trace amounts of pesticides in spices.

3. Compliance and Regulations:

• Eurofins stays updated with the ever-evolving regulations on pesticide residues in spices established by bodies like FSSAI, EU, and USFDA.
• They tailor their testing services to comply with the specific requirements of different countries and regions.
• This ensures that the spices entering the market meet the necessary safety standards.

4. Additional Services:

Eurofins goes beyond just pesticide testing by offering other relevant services for spices, such as:

• Microbiological testing: Detecting harmful bacteria and pathogens.
• Authenticity testing: Ensuring the quality and purity of the spices.
• Sensory evaluation: Assessing the visual, olfactory, and taste characteristics.

5. Client Support and Guidance:

Eurofins provides comprehensive support to its clients by offering:

• Consultation: Advising clients on the most suitable testing methods based on their needs.
• Expert interpretation of results: Helping clients understand the significance of detected residues.
• Regulatory guidance: Navigating the complex landscape of regulations and standards.

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