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Saturday, Aug 26, 2006

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National

"CSE report inconclusive"

Special Correspondent

"Quantum of pesticides found in Pepsi and Coca Cola harmless to human beings"

NEW DELHI: The pesticides industry on Friday criticised the "inconclusive'' report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and said the quantum of pesticides found in Pepsi and Coca Cola was harmless to human beings.

All chemicals, including pesticides, were harmless when used in recommended dosages, Chairman-Emeritus Crop Care Federation of India Sahil Singhal told reporters here.

He said the cola controversy had put the focus on the pesticide industry, and unnecessarily dragged it into this issue. "It is the pesticides which have come into the line of fire, while the whole issue really lies between the government and the cola companies,'' he said.

Mr. Singhal said the industry had introduced new molecules effective against pests at low dosages. These molecules undergo about 75 laboratory and field tests as to their impact on environment and human health at a cost of Rs. 800-1,000 crore.

"CSE's baseless and unsubstantial claim has just created confusion and panic in the minds of the people and is maligning the pesticide industry. The report does not specify at what dosages and over what period the tiny toxins present in pesticides affect the human body.''

Unacceptable: CSE

Reacting to the charges, CSE director Sunita Narain said the right of individuals and organisations like the CSE to carry out action in public interest and in favour of public health could not be questioned. It is a right to hold industries and government accountable for their action, and should be strengthened — not suppressed, she said.

The pesticide industry had chosen again to create confusion by raking up the dosage issue. Allowing any harmful substances in non-essential and non-nutritive items like soft drinks was unacceptable. Even the Joint Parliamentary Committee had said so in its report.

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