Friday, August 11, 2006

Because safety should not be optional...


In 57 samples of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo drinks produced in 12 Indian states, the CSE found the average amount of pesticide residues to be 11.85 parts per billion (ppb), 34 times higher than the permitted limit set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. These standards by the BIS have been drafted but not implemented. News Report>>

Coke and Pepsi are not the only contaminated food products, however. A previous study by CSE found pesticide residues in many bottled water brands sold in India, and a committee set up by the Indian Ministry of Agriculture also found (JPC Report) pesticide residues such as DDT (dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane), HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane) and BHC (benzene hexachloride) in everything from milk and baby milk powder to honey, fruit jam, and fresh fruit. Events>>

The problem has as much to do with agricultural practices encouraged by the Indian government - a focus on boosting yields with pesticides and chemicals - as it does with growing demand for water. Across much of India, tube wells have lowered the water table, leaving those
pesticides that have trickled into the groundwater at ever-increasing concentrations. More >>
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6 comments:

Anonymous Fri Aug 11, 03:17:00 PM GMT+5:30  

Salaam
very interesting story. and nice photo.
I hope for a more organic approach for agriculture in the future.

http://stavangerdailyphoto.blogspot.com/

I found your Blog there

Unknown Fri Aug 11, 04:27:00 PM GMT+5:30  

Thanks...

Anonymous Fri Aug 11, 10:40:00 PM GMT+5:30  

Rajesh, I thank you for the report and the news about pesticides in India. This is the kind information that I like to read in the daily photo blogs often. I try to be critical too.

Good job!

Unknown Mon Aug 14, 08:46:00 AM GMT+5:30  

thanks, keeps me going!

Katinka Thu Aug 17, 11:33:00 PM GMT+5:30  

Wow...I was stunned to read this. Especially that DDT is still being used in agriculture...the impact of that on health and the environment is terrible. Thank you for alerting us to this...the more people that know about it, the more pressure will come to bear on the powers that be.

Unknown Fri Aug 18, 09:19:00 AM GMT+5:30  

Yes, The issue seems to be complicated and will require lot serious, long term and consistent approach.