This article focuses on the analysis of orgnohlorine pesticides (OCP) residues in commonly used spices like cumin (Cuminum cyminum), chili (Capsicurn frutescens ), city ginger. The use of OCPs in developing countries has been of serious concern because of their persistent nature. Results have shown that the level of HCH was more than the level of DDT in majority of the samples like cumin, chilli, dry ginger, carraway, aniseed black pepper, fenugreek, turmeric and corriander. The maximum value of total HCH was 0.203 ppm in turmeric and minimum 0.009 ppm in corriander.

The use of plant materials for preparations of ayurvedic tonics has been known since ancient periods. The use of digestive candies and health tonics are at great demand in India. Further, the enormous use of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in developing countries has been of serious concern because of their persistant nature. Herbal products prepared using parts of the plants for human consumption used as drugs, tonics, toiletories, cosmetics etc may also contain significant level of OCP residues.