NEWS – The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has proposed a high-level committee to investigate heavy metal contamination in Bengaluru vegetables, following a study by the Environment Management Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) that found excessive levels of iron, cadmium, lead, and nickel in 400 samples of 10 vegetables

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Findings of the Initial Study

• 97% of leafy vegetables were contaminated with heavy metals
• 39% of leafy vegetables exceeded safe limits
• Iron, cadmium, lead, and nickel levels surpassed Food and Agriculture Organisation limits

CPCB’s Proposed Committee

• Five-member committee to conduct comprehensive study
• Members from:
  • Food Safety and Standards Association of India (FSSAI)
  • Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal
  • CPCB regional director from Bengaluru
  • Karnataka State Pollution Control Board
  • University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru
• Study details, including survey, sample size, location, and laboratories, to be decided by the committee

Testing and Analysis

• Heavy metal and pesticide samples to be tested only at FSSAI-approved laboratories
• Residues in vegetables to be compared with FSSAI-prescribed standards

Timeline

• Four months sought to collate analysis results and finalize report
• Report to be submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT)