Pesticides suspected to contain unlabelled ingredients (with photo)
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An AFCD spokesperson said today (August 24) that the three pesticide products, namely Kingbo, an Azadirachtin product (product name in Chinese only) and a Spodoptera litura Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus product (product name in Chinese only), are suitable for use in local organic farming. As requested by AFCD, the two suppliers concerned have surrendered the remaining stock for further testing. They have also been requested to inform affected customers to arrange for recall of the products sold.
The Consumer Council noted in a report released in March this year that pesticide residues had been found in some vegetable samples that claimed to be organic and available in the market. AFCD contacted the local organic farmers concerned to follow up on the incident and obtained pesticides they have been using for testing. Initial test results revealed the presence of pesticide ingredients other than those listed on the labels of the above three products, including some of the chemicals found in the test conducted by the Consumer Council earlier.
Other chemicals found in the initial test mainly include Emamectin and Tebufenozide. These two unregistered ingredients with medium and low toxicity respectively are commonly used overseas. As their residual period in soil is not long and can be degraded rapidly in the natural environment, they would not cause serious chemical contamination in organic farms.
The local organic farming certification organisations have been informed of the incident as pesticide products for use in organic farming are involved. AFCD will liaise with local farmers and representatives of the industry for appropriate follow-up, and step up testing of agricultural produce at local farm level.
AFCD will also enhance inspection of various types of pesticide products. If there are reasonable doubts, testing will be conducted and appropriate follow-up actions will be taken.
The import, manufacture, sale and supply of pesticides are regulated under the Pesticides Ordinance (Cap 133). Pesticides for sale in Hong Kong must be registered with AFCD and attached with proper labels listing all the active ingredients. Contravention of the ordinance will lead to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.
Ends/Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:42
Issued at HKT 20:42
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