PRRAL Updates Method to Report Pesticide Levels in Fruits and Vegetables

IO_AdminAfrica11 hours ago3 Views

### Speedy Summary:
– The Pesticide Residue Research and Analytical Laboratory (PRRAL) of Kerala Agricultural University has updated its methodology for reporting pesticide residue levels in fruits and vegetables tested under the ‘Safe to Eat’ project.
– Starting with its 67th report (April-June 2025), PRRAL uses crop-wise Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) standards set by the Food safety and Standards authority of India (FSSAI), following guidance from the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR).
– Under this new method, only samples exceeding MRLs are flagged.As a result,pesticide residues were found in just 1.53% of samples this time,compared to higher percentages reported earlier: 21.29% in the previous survey and 15.26% before that.
– For April-June 2025, PRRAL collected 196 vegetable and fruit samples across Kannur, thrissur, and Ernakulam districts.
– Three samples-capsicum, ivy gourd, lemon-had pesticide levels above mrls.
– Residues within permissible limits were detected in fifty othre samples.
– Lambda-cyhalothrin, clothianidin, bifenthrin insecticides exceeded permissible limits in these cases.

### Indian Opinion Analysis:
The latest shift in methodology by PRRAL reflects an attempt to harmonize testing procedures with national regulatory standards established by FSSAI. While this brings consistency to evaluation practices across India’s agricultural sectors, it has implications for public perception as well: shifting focus away from all detectable residues to only those deemed unsafe under specified thresholds.

A significant drop-from over 21% to less than 2%-in flagged sample figures due to updated criteria may generate concerns regarding clarity or prior test interpretations. However, it also suggests better alignment with actionable safety guidelines rather than generalized data that may not indicate real health risks.

Moreover, kerala’s ‘Safe to Eat’ initiative continues strengthening regional food safety surveillance mechanisms; periodic sampling assisted by State Agriculture Department funding ensures critical oversight capabilities remain active despite evolving assessment frameworks.

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