Excessive pesticide residues found in two Spinach samples

Food name:

(i) & (ii): Spinach

Pesticide name:

(i) & (ii): Chlorpyrifos

Detected level:

(i): 0.41 parts per million

(ii): 0.2 parts per million

Maximum residue limit:

(i) & (ii): 0.1 parts per million

Sampling location:

(i):  A retail outlet in Lai Chi Kok

(ii):  A retail outlet in Tsuen Wan

Remarks:
  1. Generally speaking, to reduce pesticide residues in vegetables, members of the public can rinse vegetables thoroughly under clean running water, and scrub produce with hard surfaces with a clean produce brush to remove dirt and substances including pesticides and contaminants from the surface and the crevices, when appropriate.
  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. The CFS will follow up on the unsatisfactory result, including tracing the source and distribution of the food in question and taking samples for testing so as to safeguard public health.
  4. Investigation is ongoing.

END/Friday, June 8, 2018