Pesticide residue exceeds legal limit in papaya sample

Food name:

Papaya
Pesticide: Thiamethoxam
Detected level: 0.038 parts per million
Maximum residue limit: 0.01 parts per million
Sampling location: A supermarket in Yuen Long

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 Thiamethoxam detected in the samples, 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 affected product. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence.

  5. Investigation is ongoing.

END/ Thursday, July 20, 2023