Labs told to explain test methods

However, the two labs had stated in their report that the samples were not from the same batch, hence not comparable.

CFTRI reported that of 12 samples, pesticide residues were below EU limits in three samples. In the rest, they were found to be above the limit.

The report of the Kolkata-based CFL, which comes under the Health Ministry, showed that nine of 12 brands analysed by it failed to either conform to the EU pesticide limits of 0.0001 mg per litre individually or 0.0005 cumulatively.

The JPC will be attending presentations made by representatives from CII, FICCI and ASSOCHAM. CSIR Director General R.A. Mashelkar has already appeared before the JPC.

The JPC, which is holding its third hearing now, will take a break in November for Assembly elections. Besides tomorrow8217;s hearing, it will hold two more meetings in October.

Sharad Pawar, chairman of the 15-member JPC, did not rule out submitting the report before the Winter session of Parliament, saying the November break would be made up by having more meetings in December.

In the earlier meeting, the Health Ministry was questioned for coming up with a draft notification for revision of standards to regulate the presence of metals and pesticides in beverages after the JPC8217;s constitution.