Pesticide residue exceeds legal limit in Water spinach sample

Product name:

Water spinach

Pesticide name:

Methamidophos

Detected level:

0.22 parts per million

Maximum residue limit

0.05 parts per million

Sampling location:

The CFS collected the Water spinach at wholesale level for testing under routine Food Surveillance Programme.

Remarks:

  1. Generally speaking, to reduce pesticide residues in vegetable, vegetables should be thoroughly washed in potable water to remove soil and other contaminants including pesticides and contaminants before being cut, mixed with other ingredients, cooked and served, or offered for human consumption in ready-to-eat form.
  2. Any person who imports, manufactures or sells any food not in compliance with the requirements of the Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation (Cap 132CM) concerning pesticide residues commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction.
  3. Based on the level of pesticide residue detected in the sample, adverse health effects would not be caused under usual consumption.
  4. The CFS will follow up on the unsatisfactory result, including tracing the source of the food in question and taking samples for testing.
  5. Investigation is ongoing.

END/Wednesday October 23, 2019