The FSSAI refuted reports claiming it allowed 10 times higher pesticide residues in herbs and spices. Calling the reports "false and malicious", FSSAI asserted India has the most stringent standards of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). The MRL of 0.01 mg/kg was increased to 0.1 mg/kg only for pesticides not registered with Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC), FSSAI added.