The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday said sodium silicate adhesive used in apple packaging boxes does not ordinarily pose \u201cdirect acute toxicity risks\u201d to consumers as it does not come into direct contact with the produce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The government said sodium silicate, used as an adhesive in corrugated cardboard boxes, binds within paper fibres after drying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt does not come into direct contact with the produce; therefore, it does not ordinarily pose direct acute toxicity risks to consumers,\u201d the reply stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u201cGenerally Recognized as Safe\u201d at recommended levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On environmental concerns, the government said the substance is biodegradable with \u201ca very short half-life\u201d and poses lesser threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, it pointed out that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification IS: 2771 for Corrugated Fibreboard boxes does not permit the use of \u201csodium silicate or other highly alkaline adhesives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u201csilicate-treated and sub-standard\u201d boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growers, traders and packaging units are being sensitised about the risks of non-standard packaging, it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under the UT CAPEX \u2018Support for Grading and Packaging Scheme\u2019, growers can avail a subsidy of up to 50 per cent on the purchase of approved 5-ply corrugated boxes, the reply added. (KNS)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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