Health Ministry debunks CSE’s study on colas

According to the committee, the methodology followed by CSE was found faulty. ‘‘It is not clear how much cola was tested or where the samples were picked up from… many of the crucial details needed to confirm the presence of such high levels of pesticides have not been given,’’ said Ramadoss.

Questioning the competence of the CSE lab facility in conducting such tests, the committee said the “laboratory operates to the requirements of ISO 9001 does not demonstrates its competence to produce technically valid data and results.”

According to the committee, the (CSE) report does not provide details about the number of pertinent points, which are required for the confirmatory interpretation of quantum results. Ramadoss had constituted the committee on August 4 to examine “the methodology of sampling, methodology of testing and validity as well as the consistency of results derived by CSE in its report.”

Looking into each of these aspects, the Expert Committee said that not only the sampling methodology lacked “scientific and statistically valid basis” but the “residue data reported based on GC-Mass confirmation is inconclusive.” In short, the confirmation of the presence of pesticides was not possible since the data recorded in most cases is inconclusive.

An angry Centre for Science and Environment hit out at the government for giving a ‘clean chit’ to the soft drink MNCs on the pesticide issue, saying he was more concerned with “industrial health and not with the people’s health.”

Responding sharply, CSE said: ‘‘It is unfortunate that the minister has decided to toe the company line and even use the language as verbatim. This clearly shows his allegiance to their cause’’.

According to CSE, the expert committee was relying on Coca-Cola sponsored UK lab findings to question CSE results. CSE said that it was not surprising as it was the same government that had blocked the setting up of standard for softdrinks.

Ramadoss said that Gujarat and Mysore laboratories had tested two samples of water and two of carbonated drinks and found that the pesticide residues were not above permissible level.

The Minister said directions have been issued to state and central laboratories to lift more samples of carbonated drinks and test them. He said 213 samples had been lifted so far from 14 states and sent for testing.