In a latest update today, Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) inspected 16 spice companies in Kanpur and the samples of 35 items were collected for testing, out of which 23 failed to qualify in the parameters, Dainik Bhaskar reported.
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As per various media reports, these 23 samples were found to have a more than permissible limits of insecticides and pesticides. In a few samples insects were also found by the testing team.
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As per media reports, their Coriander powder, Garam masala powder, and Matar Paneer masala were said to be unfit for human consumption.
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As per Dainik Bhaskar’s report, the list of companies that have failed the sample test include Gaurav Enterprises, Bingawa, Govind Girha Udyog, Panki, Mangalam Enterprises, Chamera, Vinish Masala, Mohammed Osama, Aravali Masala Pvt Ltd, Harsh Trading, Shri Sahib Ji Griha Udyog, and Rouniyar Enterprises.
It is reported that a few spice blends have been found to have a compound called Carbendazim. As per experts, it is s a broad-spectrum fungicide used primarily in agriculture to control a variety of fungal diseases in crops. It belongs to the benzimidazole group of chemicals and works by inhibiting the growth of fungi, thus protecting plants from infections. While traditionally it is used to control fungal diseases in crops, these days it is also used as a preservative. It is said that short-term exposure to high levels of carbendazim can cause skin and eye irritation. Inhalation of the chemical may result in respiratory tract irritation. Apart from this, prolonged exposure has been associated with liver and kidney damage. It may also affect the reproductive system. Some experts and studies suggest that carbendazim may have carcinogenic effects, but conclusive evidence in humans is lacking.
Some of the spice blends are also contaminated with Propargite. It is an acaricide used to control mites on various crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and ornamentals. It is particularly effective against spider mites. Propargite works by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of mites, thus protecting plants from damage. Traditionally, Propargite is used to control spider mites and other mite species on crops such as citrus, corn, cotton, strawberries, apples, and grapes. As per experts, short-term exposure of this acaricide can cause skin and eye irritation. Inhalation of propargite can lead to respiratory tract irritation. Its long-term exposure may result in liver and kidney damage. There are also concerns about its potential effects on the reproductive system. Propargite is also classified as a possible human carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Studies have shown that it can cause tumors in laboratory animals, though evidence in humans is not conclusive.
Apart from this, 14 more local companies and their products have been found to be unfit. As per FSDA, these spices are harmful for human consumption and may lead to kidney failure and other issues like weakening of eye sight, sore throat, coughing, nausea and more.
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The article is based on various media reports and social media posts and The Times of India is yet to get an official confirmation of the news.
