Taipei City Tests 50 Fresh Produce Items, 13 Found with Pesticide Residues Exceeding Limits

(CNA, Taipei, July 1, 2024) The Taipei City Department of Health announced today that it randomly sampled and tested 50 fresh produce items in Taipei markets and various retail channels in May. Thirteen items were found to have pesticide residues exceeding regulatory limits. Furthermore, cilantro and basil from the same restaurant were found with 7 and 4 different pesticide residues exceeding limits, respectively.

The Taipei City Department of Health released the results of its fresh produce sampling in May 2024. Random sampling locations included markets, produce retailers, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and restaurants in Taipei City. Pesticide residue tests were conducted, and depending on the product, tests for solanine glycosides and heavy metals lead and cadmium were also performed. A total of 50 items were sampled, with 13 found to be non-compliant.

The Department of Health detailed the non-compliant items by category: 3 items of basil; 2 items each of daikon radish and cilantro; 1 item each of bok choy, flowering chives, green beans, chili peppers, durian, and head lettuce. Each was found to have 1 to 7 types of pesticide residues, failing to comply with the "Standard for Pesticide Residue Limits."

According to the list of non-compliant products released by the Department of Health, cilantro (coriander) sampled from Yuexiang Restaurant on the first floor at No. 34 Wenchang Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, had as many as 7 types of pesticides exceeding the limit. The product originated from Beidou Township, Changhua County. The same restaurant was also found by the Department of Health to have basil (lupin) with 4 types of pesticide residues exceeding the limit. The product originated from Pingtung City, Pingtung County.

In addition, "PC-Chili f" sampled from Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store (Diamond Tower Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Beauty Market) in Daan District, Taipei City, also had 4 types of pesticide residues in violation of regulations. The product originated from Yunlin County.

Regarding the non-compliant products, the Department of Health stated that it has ordered the sampling locations to remove the products from shelves and cease sales. For products originating from outside Taipei City, the matter has been transferred to the health departments of the respective jurisdictions for legal action. For products originating within Taipei City, after investigation confirms the violation, enforcement action will be taken in accordance with the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation. Furthermore, Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing Corporation has been notified to implement relevant regulations regarding the suspension of product supply based on the "Inspection Guidelines for Pesticide Residues and Additives of Fruits and Vegetables Entering the Market."

The Department of Health added that non-compliance with pesticide residue limits violates the Food Safety and Sanitation Act, which can result in a fine of NT$60,000 to NT$200 million for the responsible business operator. If the source cannot be identified, the vendor may be fined NT$30,000 to NT$3 million. (Editor: Hsiao Po-wen) 20240701

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