Tests conducted by the Central Food Technological Research Institute and Central Food Laboratories did not show any presence of pesticide residue in samples of soft drinks prior to the presentation of the Centre for Science and Environment report revealing its high presence, the joint parliamentary committee chairman Sharad Pawar said in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Soft drinks, hard truths: Complete coverage
The chairman of the committee, probing pesticide residue and safety standards for soft drinks, fruit juice and other beverages, told reporters that the committee had the option to call CSE for any further clarifications.
He said, however, the new sample tests by CFL and CFTRI revealed presence of pesticide residue soon after the CSE tests.
JPC to examine ads on soft drinks
In reply to a query, Pawar said none of the soft drink manufacturers have communicated their intention to appear before the JPC so far even though the committee had made it clear that any of its representatives could approach the JPC.
He said that during the two-day meeting which concluded on Tuesday, it was told that prior to the presentation of the CSE report which claimed presence of high pesticide residues in some soft drinks, the CFL and CFTRI samples taken from some plants did not reveal any pesticide residue.
In deference to the wishes of the JPC, the Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi allowed setting up of a three-member committee of scientists to assist the committee.
The three members -- S.K.Khanna, N.P Agnihotri and G Thyagarajan -- were present in the meeting on both days, Pawar said.
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