New Delhi, Feb 04: A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has found correct the findings of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on presence of pesticide residues in soft drinks. ''The committee appreciates the whistle-blowing act of the CSE in alerting the nation to an issue with major implications to food safety, policy formulation, regulatory framework and human and environmental health,'' said the report on pesticide residues and safety standards for soft drinks, fruit juice and other beverages.

The JPC, headed by Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, was formed six months ago. Its report was submitted in Parliament today. The CSE had analysed three samples each of 12 brand products of Pepsico and Coca Cola and found in them 32 most commonly used pesticides in the country.

The JPC asked the government to establish a mandatory food recall system and make the companies accountable for selling sub-standard and harmful products in the market.

Bureau Report