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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (May 19) found a tangerine sample with pesticide residues at a level exceeding the legal limit. The CFS is following up on the case and reminds members of the public to prepare fruit suitably before consumption, including rinsing them thoroughly and peeling them to reduce the level of pesticide residues.
"The CFS collected the tangerine sample for testing at a fixed-pitch hawker stall selling fruits at Yau Ma Tei under its regular Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained isocarbophos at a level of 0.04 parts per million (ppm), i.e. two times the maximum residue limit (0.02 ppm)," a CFS spokesman said.
"Based on the level of pesticide residue detected in the sample, adverse health effects will not be caused under normal consumption," he added.
Any person who imports, manufactures or sells any food not in compliance with the requirements of the Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation concerning pesticide residues commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction.
The CFS will follow up on the unsatisfactory result, including tracing the source and distribution of the food in question and taking samples for testing so as to safeguard public health. Investigation is ongoing.
Ends/Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:11
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