Pesticide residue exceeds legal limit in celery sample

Food name:        Celery
Pesticide: Chlorpyrifos
Detected level: 1.10 parts per million
Maximum residue limit: 0.05 parts per million
Sampling location: A market stall in Tung Chung
Remarks:
  1. The vendor had stopped 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 Chlorpyrifos 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.
  5. Investigation is ongoing.

END/ Thursday, August 11, 2022