Jammu, Feb 4: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday said that sodium silicate adhesive used in apple packaging boxes does not generally pose “direct acute toxicity risks” to consumers, as it does not come into direct contact with the fruit.
In a written reply to a question by legislator Irshad Rasool Kar in the Assembly, the Minister in charge of Agriculture Production and allied departments explained the regulatory position and measures taken to monitor packaging materials.
The government said sodium silicate, used as an adhesive in corrugated cardboard boxes, binds within the 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.
Citing Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations, the government said silicates are permitted as anti-caking agents in certain food items within specified limits and are “Generally Recognized as Safe” at recommended levels.
On environmental concerns, officials noted that the substance is biodegradable, has “a very short half-life,” and poses minimal environmental threats.
However, the reply pointed out that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification IS: 2771 for corrugated fibreboard boxes does not allow the use of “sodium silicate or other highly alkaline adhesives.”
The government has instructed 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 also being educated about the risks of non-standard packaging.
To promote safer alternatives, the government is encouraging the use of 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% on the purchase of approved 5-ply corrugated boxes, the reply added. (Agencies)
