[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service (NAQS) announced on the 16th that it will strengthen pre-shipment pesticide residue inspections for agricultural products traded online.
NAQS plans to cooperate with local governments to identify the shipment timing of farms and agricultural products sold through telecommunication sales in advance, then collect samples before shipment to conduct pesticide residue inspections.
Agricultural products found to be non-compliant with pesticide residue exceeding the allowable limits will be disposed of, and fines will be imposed on the respective farmers.
In addition, in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and local governments, NAQS will strengthen safety management by tracing production farms of agricultural products confirmed to be non-compliant during the distribution stage to prevent these products from circulating in the market.
NAQS will also enhance guidance and education on pesticide residue allowable limits (PLS) for farmers together with the Rural Development Administration, local governments, and related agencies.
An NAQS official emphasized, "We ask farmers to comply with proper pesticide usage so that consumers can safely consume domestic agricultural products."
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