Will 'dangerous' Khesari dal be back on your plate?

Picture for representational purpose only

New Delhi: Amid the debate over safety of two-minute noodles Maggi, Indian authorities have cleared a pulses' variety which was deemed unfit for consumption till now.

The government had banned the 'khesari dal' way back in 1961 after it was established that its consumption could cause a neurological disorder called lathyrism (paralysis in the legs).

Fifty-five years later, a research panel which included scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has cleared 'khesari dal' for consumption, which is considered the poor man’s dal as it is economical to buy.

As per The Indian Express, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has stated that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been communicated about the lifting of the ban.

FSSAI CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal, however, has said that the dal would undergo rigorous tests as it was banned for decades on the grounds of safety.

Khesari dal, also known as lakholi dal, will now be scrutinised by the FSSAI’s Scientific Panel and Scientific Committee.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Patel, senior Congress leader and political secretary to Sonia Gandhi, today expressed concern on the news that khesari dal has been cleared for consumption. He tweeted:

It is believed that Govt is planning to remove ban on khesari Dal. Hope they are seized of the reason as why this Dal was banned in 1961.

— Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) January 18, 2016