Are all pesticides bad now?
Updated On: 10 August, 2024 06:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Lindsay Pereira
It’s ridiculous how some foreign countries are beginning to question the quality of so many products made in India
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Earlier this year, Singapore and Hong Kong suspended sales of spice blends from two major Indian brands, accusing them of using high levels of a pesticide called ethylene oxide. Representation pic
Look, I would accept criticism if this was a foreign country questioning the government of Bihar about its ability to build a bridge. We all know they aren’t particularly good at that sort of thing even if we aren’t supposed to say it out loud. I would also accept criticism if it was directed towards the government of Gujarat, and it was asked for proof that a degree in Entire Political Science was offered to more than one student in Indian history. What I cannot abide are questions about the quality of things we take very seriously—our medicines and spices. That sort of thing should never be encouraged, and I hope the Prime Minister cancels his next photoshoot and nips this in the bud instead.
My outrage on this issue has been building for a while because the past few years have not been kind to Indian manufacturers. In 2023, around 141 children reportedly died worldwide on account of medications made by some factories in India. This wouldn’t have been such a big deal under normal circumstances, given that we are a tolerant nation and have long been known to look the other way at the deaths of children. It crossed a line though, because some countries recommended that these factories be shut down for failing to meet compliance parameters. Naturally, I was appalled. If factories can be shut down for such frivolous reasons, there may come a time when we may have to impose quality control processes, and we all know how damaging they can be to important issues such as productivity and public relations.
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