Banned pesticides and their role in tea testing

Introduction

A warm cup of tea represents calmness and comfort to most of us. But there's a complicated web of safety precautions, particularly with regard to pesticides, hidden behind the calming routine. Being a food testing facility, we are aware of the worries about outlawed pesticides and the possibility that they are in your regular cup of tea.

What are Pesticides?

Pesticides are substances used to control pests and ensure healthy crop growth. However, some pesticides are deemed harmful due to their adverse effects on human health or the environment.

Banned Pesticides

The use of banned pesticides in tea cultivation is a serious concern as it poses potential risks to both the environment and human health. Banned pesticides are chemicals that have been prohibited or restricted due to their harmful effects on the environment, non-target organisms, and human health.

The Tea Board India, therefore, instructed all tea producers in the country not to use any chemical pesticide in their tea plantations that do not have a label claim for tea. Additionally, the 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

Table: Banned Pesticides - Effects and Usage.

The Importance of Testing

Tea testing typically involves analysing samples for pesticide residues.

The presence of banned pesticides raises concerns:

Consumer health: Ingestion of residues may pose health risks depending on the pesticide and exposure level.

Trade disruptions: Exports may be rejected if exceeding residue limits set by importing countries.

Environmental impact: Banned pesticides may persist and harm ecosystems.

Challenges in Indian Tea Exports: Pesticide Concerns Impact Global Market Standing

The Indian tea industry is currently facing a notable challenge as tea shipments are being rejected by both international and domestic buyers due to the detection of elevated levels of pesticides and chemicals beyond permissible limits. Anshuman Kanoria, the chairman of the Indian Tea Exporters Association (ITEA), disclosed this information, emphasizing that the repeated rejection of consignments has resulted in a decline in outward shipments. The rejection of tea consignments raises concerns about the adherence to quality standards in tea production and underscores the urgent need for enhanced quality control measures. As the Tea Board aims to increase exports, addressing issues related to pesticide levels becomes paramount to restore buyer confidence and uphold the esteemed reputation of Indian tea on the global stage. In 2021, India exported 195.90 million kg of tea, with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) nations and Iran being major buyers.

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

In the exercise of powers conferred under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has promulgated the FSS (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) regulations, 2011. This regulatory framework is designed to facilitate comprehensive testing of food products, ensuring the safety and quality of consumables in India. On 19th March 2018, the FSSAI further strengthened these regulations through the publication of the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) First Amendment Regulations, 2018. This amendment, enacted in accordance with the Insecticides Act, 1968 (46 of 1968), led to the prohibition of 20 pesticides detailed in Annexure-1. After extensive deliberations with relevant stakeholders, the FSSAI hereby issues a directive to all laboratories notified under sections 43(1) and 43(2) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This directive mandates the testing of the 20 banned pesticides listed in Annexure-1, in addition to the routine testing of all pesticides specified for Tea as per the FSS (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) regulations, 2011. This directive underscores the FSSAI's commitment to the highest standards of food safety and the protection of public health. It is imperative that all notified laboratories adhere to this directive, contributing to the robust monitoring of pesticide residues in tea and upholding the integrity of the food supply chain. FSSAI recently circulated a list of 20 banned Pesticides in this context.

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:

Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs): These are legally established limits for the amount of pesticide residue that can be present in a food product. In India, MRLs for pesticides in tea are set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Mandatory analyses typically involve testing for pesticides with established MRLs in tea. Some common examples include:

• Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) like DDT, HCH, and endosulfan
• Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) like chlorpyrifos, malathion, and phorate
• Synthetic pyrethroids like deltamethrin, cypermethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin
• Herbicides like glyphosate and glufosinate

Optional Analyses:

Pesticides not covered by MRLs: This includes newer pesticides or those not yet regulated by FSSAI. While not mandatory, analyses for these pesticides may be necessary if there is suspicion of contamination or concerns about potential health risks.

Specific pesticides of concern: Based on local agricultural practices, geographical factors, or specific consumer demands, testing for certain pesticides of concern may be desirable. This could include pesticides known to be used in tea cultivation in the region or those associated with specific health problems.

Multi-residue methods: These methods can simultaneously detect a wide range of pesticides, offering a comprehensive overview of potential pesticide contamination. However, they may be less sensitive than targeted analyses for specific pesticides.

Eurofins role in testing pesticides in tea

Eurofins, a leading global provider of analytical testing services, can play a vital role in testing for banned pesticides in tea. Here's how:

Expertise and Accreditation:

Eurofins has extensive experience in analyzing food products for pesticide residues, employing highly trained personnel and state-of-the-art laboratories.

Their laboratories are accredited by various international bodies, ensuring adherence to strict quality standards and reliable analytical results.

Advanced Analytical Techniques:

Eurofins utilizes sophisticated analytical techniques like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to detect even trace amounts of banned pesticides.

These techniques offer high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for accurate identification and quantification of banned pesticide residues.

Comprehensive Testing Options:

Eurofins offers a variety of testing options tailored to specific needs. You can choose targeted analyses for specific banned pesticides of concern or opt for multi-residue methods that screen for a broader range of banned substances.

They also provide customized testing solutions based on client requirements and regulatory guidelines.

Global Presence and Accessibility:

Eurofins has a vast network of laboratories worldwide, making their services readily accessible to tea producers, exporters, and importers across different regions.

This facilitates efficient sample collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring timely results and compliance with international regulations.

Compliance and Regulatory Support:

Eurofins has expertise in various food safety regulations and can help clients navigate the complex landscape of banned pesticide regulations in different countries.

They can provide guidance on testing requirements, interpretation of results, and documentation support to ensure compliance with national and international standards.

Additional Services:

Beyond testing, Eurofins offers additional services like consultation, training, and risk assessment to help clients manage pesticide residues in their tea supply chain.

This holistic approach can help tea producers, exporters, and importers mitigate risks, ensure consumer safety, and build brand reputation.

Overall, Eurofins plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of tea by providing reliable and comprehensive testing services for banned pesticides. Their expertise, advanced technology, and global presence make them a valuable partner for tea stakeholders committed to responsible production and trade.

References

1. Wang JL, Xia Q, Zhang AP, Hu XY, Lin CM. Determination of organophosphorus pesticide residues in vegetables by an enzyme inhibition method using α-naphthyl acetate esterase extracted from wheat flour. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2012 Apr;13(4):267-73. doi: 10.1631/jzus.B11a0180. PMID: 22467368; PMCID: PMC3323942.
2. https://www.princeton.edu/~ota/disk2/1988/8830/8830.PDF
3. https://worldwidescience.org/topicpages/o/organotin+pesticide+triphenyltin.html
4. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/dec/23/stay-away-from-using-pesticide-tea-growers-told-2644336.html

Contact Us