The JPC has criticised the government's contention that pesticide residues are removed during washing, peeling, cutting and extraction of juices and has instead asked it to separately formulate pesticide residue limits for juices and other beverages, independent of norms for soft drinks.
Expressing surprise at the contention of the health and family welfare ministry that juices are freed of pesticides during their washing, peeling, cutting and extraction, the JPC said this statement "is completely vague and illogical and not based on any scientific assessment."
Besides, the panel has also questioned the nutritional value of fruit juices and other beverages which have been cleaned of pesticide residues, saying it is unsure whether the nutritional value of raw products used for extracting juices will be retained in the juice after purification.
While seeking to differentiate between soft drinks and fruit juices on the basis of water content in each, the JPC has asked government to separately formulate pesticide residue limits in fruit juices and beverages, based on consumption pattern and safe limits.
Expressing its dismay at clubbing of fruit juices and other beverages with soft drinks by the ministry, the JPC noted in its report that fruit juices are a multi-component system where water is a mere ingredient but not the main one.
Ready-to-serve beverages are mainly derived from agriculture products, for which maximum residue limits for pesticides prescribed under PFA Act are many times higher.
Besides, the panel said technology used for purifying water cannot be used for fruit juice, milk and milk products.
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