Sunday, 12 February 2012

Indian spices face challenge of food safety norms


TNN Feb 10, 2012, 05.07AM IST
The largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices in the world, India has several challenges about traceability and safety standards, A Jayathilak, chairman of the Spices Board of India, said on Thursday. 
Food safety problems could be managed through modern processing technology, but contaminants, pesticide residues and toxins remained important issues, he added.
Jayathilak was speaking at the inauguration of the XI World Spices Congress here. The theme of the meet was 'Sustainability and food safety global initiatives'.
Jayathilak said, "India contributes about 48 per cent of the world's requirement of spices. The growing global demand for spices throws up several challenges, mainly related to food sustainability, traceability and safety standards. These are not just issues, but threats that can affect the very existence of the spice industry in the country."
"The board is making all efforts, like promoting organic and responsible farming, regular training on implementation of good agriculture practices, improved application of post-harvest practices, and establishment of bio-agent production units," he added.  ....... read more


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