The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) on February 06, 2024, issued the Draft Fruits and Vegetables Grading and Marking (Amendment) Rules, 2024 to further amend the Fruits and Vegetables Grading and Marking Rules, 2004
The following has been amended namely: -
• In Rule 8 which states “For domestic trade, Fruits and Vegetables shall comply with the residue levels of heavy metals, pesticides, aflatoxin, and other food safety parameters as specified in Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955” shall be substituted with the following namely: -
“8 (1) Fruits and Vegetables for domestic trade, shall comply with the restrictions in regard to residual levels of metal contaminants, pesticide residues, microbial requirements, crop contaminants, naturally occurring toxic substances and other food safety requirements as specified under the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulations, 2011, Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, and other regulations made for domestic trade under the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (34 of 2006).
(2) Fruits and Vegetables for export trade, shall comply with the residual limits of heavy metals, pesticides, and other food safety requirements as laid down by the Codex Alimentarius Commission or importing countries requirement for export.”
• The Schecule which specifies the Grade designation and quality of Table Grapes has been substituted.
Objections or suggestions, if any, in respect of the said draft rules shall be considered within a period of forty-five days from the date of publication of this notification in the gazette and may be forwarded to the Agricultural Marketing Adviser to the Government of India, Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Head Office, CGO Complex, NH - IV, Faridabad (Haryana) 121001.
[Notification No. G.S.R. 99(E)]
