The Taipei Department of Health's recent assessment of fresh fruits and vegetables within Taiwanese markets disclosed a 25% failure rate in safety compliance. Predominant issues involved pesticide residues surpassing acceptable levels, and two durians exhibited cadmium concentrations beyond safety thresholds.
Lin Kuan-chen (林冠蓁), Director of the Health Food and Drug Division, stated that routine examinations of fresh produce are performed across various sales points, including traditional markets, supermarkets, and restaurants. These checks evaluate pesticide residues alongside other hazardous substances.
The department's May inspection involved the selection of 52 samples, with results indicating 13 items not adhering to safety protocols, explained Lin. Specifically, non-compliant items encompassed three samples of garlic chive flowers, two each of Thai basil and celery, plus one sample each of green garlic, wax apple, cowpea, and mango, all exhibiting pesticide levels beyond the legal threshold.
Moreover, two durians were noted to contain cadmium levels higher than permissible standards. Lin emphasized that, except for mangoes and durians, other failed items are categorized as high-risk agricultural products, which are more susceptible to excessive pesticide presence due to historical inspection outcomes from the Food and Drug Administration and the Ministry of Agriculture. These products undergo more frequent evaluations.
After the inspection, directives were issued for vendors to withdraw the non-compliant produce, and relevant details were communicated to local health departments. Furthermore, Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing Corp (TAPMC) received instructions to halt the supply of the deficient products from the farmer for 10 days, with prospects of heightened surveillance in future inspections. In the event of recurrent non-compliance, farmers face progressive penalties, potentially culminating in revocation of supplier status.
In light of a reported food poisoning incident involving the Taipei Beitou Junior High School female softball team, Lin advised heightened vigilance concerning food safety during summer months to curtail poisoning incidents. Emphasis was placed on the importance of safe storage practices, proper refrigeration, and the avoidance of cross-contamination, alongside buying from credible sources to mitigate risk.
Source: Taipei Times
