Gyeonggi Province Finds 99.2% of Local Food Store Produce Safe from Residual Pesticides

A survey found that 99.2% of agricultural products distributed within Gyeonggi Province were within the permissible limits for residual pesticides.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Institute of Health and Environment announced on June 20 that, as a result of its "Safety Keeper" inspection on local food agricultural products distributed in the province, 99.2% of the total 259 samples tested were found to be "compliant," meaning they were within the allowable limits for residual pesticides.

From January to June this year, the Institute conducted a precise analysis for a total of 475 types of residual pesticides on agricultural products sold at 32 local food stores in the province. According to the inspection results, except for two samples that exceeded the standard limits, the remaining 257 samples either had no detectable residual pesticides or only trace amounts at levels safe for consumption.

Gyeonggi Provincial Institute of Health and Environment conducted a residual pesticide test on agricultural products distributed within the province, and 99.2% were found to be safe. Photo shows the exterior of Yangpyeong Eco-friendly Locker Food store. Photo by Gyeonggi Province

Regarding the two detected cases, in the case of green onions, the insecticide component "clothianidin" was found at 0.9mg/kg, exceeding the standard limit of 0.3mg/kg. In the case of spinach, the soil pest control pesticide "terbufos," which is strictly regulated with a permissible limit of 0.01mg/kg, was detected at 0.03mg/kg.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Institute of Health and Environment immediately registered the non-compliant agricultural products in the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's "Non-compliance Emergency Notification System," and notified the relevant cities and counties so that distribution could be blocked and administrative measures could be taken.

Moon Sugyeong, Head of the Agricultural and Marine Products Inspection Division at the Gyeonggi Provincial Institute of Health and Environment, stated, "It has been confirmed that local food agricultural products are not only fresh but also safe," adding, "We will continue to conduct regular inspections and quality management to further strengthen consumer trust."