The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday said sodium silicate adhesive used in apple packaging boxes does not ordinarily pose “direct acute toxicity risks” to consumers as it does not come into direct contact with the produce.
In a written reply to a question by legislator Irshad Rasool Kar in the assembly, the Minister Incharge for Agriculture Production and allied departments detailed the regulatory stance and steps taken to monitor packaging materials.
The government said sodium silicate, used as an adhesive in corrugated cardboard boxes, binds within paper fibres after drying.
“It does not come into direct contact with the produce; therefore, it does not ordinarily pose direct acute toxicity risks to consumers,” the reply stated.
It cited Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations that permit the use of silicates as anti-caking agents in various food items within specified limits, describing them as “Generally Recognized as Safe” at recommended levels.
On environmental concerns, the government said the substance is biodegradable with “a very short half-life” and poses lesser threats.
However, it pointed out that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification IS: 2771 for Corrugated Fibreboard boxes does not permit the use of “sodium silicate or other highly alkaline adhesives.”
The reply outlined steps taken to control and regulate such packaging, including instructions to Area Marketing Officers and Mandi Officers to monitor fruit markets and packing areas for “silicate-treated and sub-standard” boxes.
Growers, traders and packaging units are being sensitised about the risks of non-standard packaging, it said.
The government is promoting alternate packaging materials like 5-ply Corrugated Fibreboard boxes with food-grade linings, wooden crates with safe linings, and biodegradable cushioning materials.
Under the UT CAPEX ‘Support for Grading and Packaging Scheme’, growers can avail a subsidy of up to 50 per cent on the purchase of approved 5-ply corrugated boxes, the reply added. (KNS)
