Toxic food is a violation of rights

Alarmed over reports of the increased quantity of pesticides found in fruits and vegetables, the National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

The Union Agriculture Ministry's findings show that in the past six years there has been a two-fold increase in the number of samples of vegetables, fruits, meat and spices containing pesticides.

The Commission has also issued notices to the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries and secretaries in charge of the food and supplies departments in all state governments.

Describing it as a human rights violation, Commission member Justice D Murugesan has sought a response within eight weeks about action taken to minimise pesticide residue in food.

Pointing out the hazardous effects of pesticides on the lives of people, Justice Murugesan said it should be "emphasised that any food article that is hazardous and injurious to public health is a potential danger to the fundamental right to life".

"Though it is the sole duty of the state to achieve an appropriate level for protection of human life and health, reports of rampant use of pesticides continue to pour in," he said.

Date: 10 October 2015

Source: Express News Service