Residual Pesticides Exceeding Standards Detected in Perilla Leaves and Other Fruits and Vegetables Distributed in Gyeonggi Province

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Residual pesticides exceeding the standard limits were detected in perilla leaves and other products distributed in Gyeonggi Province.

The Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment announced on the 30th that, as a result of safety inspections conducted on vegetables and fruits distributed within the province, residual pesticides exceeding the standard limits were detected in 11 cases including perilla leaves, and administrative measures were taken through relevant agencies.

From the 1st of last month to the 15th of this month, the Institute investigated the presence of residual pesticides in a total of 868 samples across 28 items of vegetables and fruits collected from four public agricultural wholesale markets (Suwon, Guri, Anyang, Ansan), department stores, and large retail stores within the province.

Specifically, among the 11 cases where residual pesticides exceeding the standard limits were detected, 'chlorothalonil' was found at 2.66 mg/kg (standard limit 0.01 mg/kg) in chicory. In addition, 'diazinon' was detected at 0.51 mg/kg (standard limit 0.01 mg/kg) in perilla leaves, and 'napropamide' at 0.15 mg/kg (standard limit 0.05 mg/kg) in crown daisy, resulting in a non-compliance judgment.

The province seized and disposed of 142 kg of the non-compliant agricultural products collected and notified the inspection results to relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

Oh Jo-gyo, Director of the Gyeonggi Institute of Health and Environment, emphasized, "To effectively remove residual pesticides from agricultural products, instead of rinsing immediately under running water, it is better to soak them in water for a longer contact time, stir them by hand, and then rinse under running water." He added, "We will continue inspections to ensure that residents can consume vegetables and fruits with confidence at any time and fulfill our role as vigilant guardians of residual pesticide safety."