CFS finds excessive pesticide residues in small Chinese white cabbage and green string pod samples

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (January 19) found samples of a small Chinese white cabbage and a green string pod with pesticide residues at levels exceeding the legal limits. The CFS is following up on the cases and reminds members of the public to prepare vegetables suitably before consumption, including rinsing and soaking them, to reduce the levels of pesticide residues.

"The CFS collected the small Chinese white cabbage sample at the Vegetable Marketing Organization in Cheung Sha Wan and the green string pod sample at retail level respectively for testing under its regular Food Surveillance Programme. Test results showed that the small Chinese white cabbage sample contained cypermethrin at a level of 3.6 parts per million (ppm) i.e. 0.8 times higher than the maximum residue limit of 2 ppm, while the green string pod sample contained triazophos at a level of 0.16 ppm, i.e. 0.6 times higher than the maximum residue limit of 0.1 ppm," a CFS spokesman said.

"Based on the levels of pesticide residue detected in the samples, adverse health effects will not be caused by normal consumption," he added.

To reduce the pesticide residues of vegetables, the spokesman reminded members of the public to rinse vegetables several times under running water, then soak them in water for one hour, or blanch them in boiling water for one minute and discard the water. To further reduce the intake of pesticide residues, the outer leaves or peel of the vegetables can also be removed as appropriate.

Any person who imports, manufactures or sells any food not in compliance with the requirements of the Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation concerning pesticide residues commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

The CFS will follow up on the unsatisfactory results, including tracing the sources and distribution of the foods in question and taking samples for testing so as to safeguard public health. Investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Monday, January 19, 2015