Surge in EU Warnings Over Pesticide Residue Found in Indian Rice Shipments
Published on: November 2, 2023.
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Rapid Rise in Europe Union’s Alerts on Pesticide Residues in Indian Rice Exports
Europe Union (EU) has seen a significant increase in the number of alerts regarding pesticide residues in rice consignments from India. However, the detection of critical chemicals in each consignment has decreased between 2021 and 2023.
Luxembourg-based Eurofins Scientific SE, a worldwide provider of laboratory testing services, reported an increase in alerts under the rapid alert system for food and feed (RASFF) in Europe for pesticides. The alerts rose to 30 in 2022 from 9 in 2021. As of September this year, 23 alerts have been issued.
This increase in alerts is important because pesticide residues have led to a decline in rice exports from India to the EU and other countries like the Gulf nations.
The overall alerts for rice exports from India to the EU increased to 40 in 2022 from 11, and by September this year, it reached 30, according to Eurofins. This data was presented at the Anuga Food Fair 2023 in Germany.
No Genetically-Modified Organisms (GMOs) Detected
A notable finding in rice exports from India is the absence of any genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) this year, compared to one alert in the previous year. The detection of GMOs caused concerns for both the EU and India.
Conversely, alerts were issued for traces of GMOs in five Vietnamese rice consignments this year. Alexander Zahm, Managing Director of Eurofins, expressed concern over the increasing presence of pesticides in rice shipments to the EU over the past two years.
In the case of rice consignments from India, alerts were issued for 42 types of pesticides. The highest number of alerts (17) was for tricyclazole, a pesticide used to combat rice blast. The EU also raised alarm over 14 consignments containing thiamethoxam, a pesticide used to kill insects with potential harmful effects on the liver and reproduction.
Eurofins highlighted that the detection of critical pesticides has decreased since 2021. For tricyclazole, the level of detection decreased from 10.69% in 2021 to 2.68% this year. The levels of thiamethoxam dropped from 9.07% to 1.53% during the review period.
The detection of other critical pesticides has also decreased, including diphenylamine, chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, propiconazole, buprofezin, phthalimide, acephate, phosphate, profenofos, transfluthrin, DDAC, hexaconazole, phorate-sulfoxide, and acetamiprid.
Caution and Need for Policy Intervention
Rice experts have cautioned about the increasing number of alerts in Europe in the past two years. S Chandrasekaran, author of a book on the natural history of Basmati rice geographical indication, emphasized the need for a policy intervention to defend and expand the rice export market.
Due to the issue of pesticide residue, India lost nearly 200,000 tonnes of Basmati rice market share in Europe. Moreover, South Indian rice exports dropped by 25,000 tonnes. Chandrasekaran suggests that India could regain this market if the government implements a foolproof and robust testing regime. This should be part of the ongoing negotiations for the European Union and United Kingdom free trade agreement.
In the case of tricyclazole and phthalimide, the levels are close to the maximum permitted parts per million (ppm). However, Pakistan has seen an increase in the detection of critical pesticide chemicals between 2021 and 2023.
One concern for both India and Pakistan is the EU Food Safety Authority’s plan to reduce the maximum residue level of tricyclazole to 0.09 ppm. India has already raised this issue with the EU.
Eurofins also highlighted the challenge posed by the presence of phosphonic acid in rice shipments. It was found in a total of 408 samples in the EU. Although no limits have been prescribed for this chemical, the EU intends to regulate it starting from 2025-26.
