Pesticide residue exceeds legal limit in two string bean samples

Food name: String bean
Pesticide: Fenthion
Detected level:
  1. 0.198 parts per million
  2. 1.072 parts per million
Maximum residue limit: 0.05 parts per million
Sampling location:
  1. A market stall in Tseung Kwan O
  2. A market stall in Tuen Mun
Remarks:

  1. The Centre for Food Safety has instructed the vendors to stop selling the affected products.

  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 Fenthion detected in the samples, risk assessment showed that adverse health effects are unlikely under usual consumption.
  4. The Centre for Food Safety will continue to follow up on the unsatisfactory results, including tracing the source of the affected products and taking samples for testing.
  5. Investigation is ongoing.

END/ Wednesday, September 11, 2024