New Delhi, Oct 09: The Joint Parliamentary Committee probing allegations of pesticides in soft drinks today questioned the health ministry for coming up with a draft notification for revision of standards to regulate the presence of metals and pesticides in beverages after the constitution of the JPC. According to sources, the health ministry was asked why such a notification was necessary when the JPC was already constituted for the purpose.
The JPC expanded its ambit to cover all packed beverages including iced tea, juices and even alcohol during its initial meeting held last month.
During today's meeting, the health ministry and food processing ministry suggested different standards on pesticides in India, sources said.
While the health ministry said that it was following European Union (EU) norms for pesticides, the food processing ministry contended that over 160 countries used the codex international standards.
Last month, the 15-member JPC headed by NCP leader Sharad Pawar deliberated on the scope of its probe and is expected to suggest safety standards for ground water, one of the principal ingredients in manufacture of all beverages. Bureau Report