Pesticide residue exceeds legal limit in lettuce leaf (Indian lettuce) sample

Food name:

Lettuce leaf (Indian lettuce)

Pesticide:

Cyhalothrin

Detected level:

0.38 parts per million

Maximum residue limit:

0.2 parts per million

Sampling location:

A market stall in Lam Tin

Remarks:

  1. The Centre for Food Safety has instructed the vendor to stop selling the affected product.
  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 Cyhalothrin detected in the sample, adverse health effects would not be caused under usual consumption.
  4. The Centre for Food Safety will continue to follow up on the unsatisfactory result, including tracing the source of the food in question. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence.
  5. Investigation is ongoing.

END/Tuesday July 19, 2022