Excessive pesticide residue found in pomelo sample
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     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (June 23) found a pomelo sample with pesticide residue at a level exceeding the legal limit. The CFS is following up on the case.

     "The CFS collected the pomelo sample for testing at a supermarket in Sham Shui Po under its regular Food Surveillance Programme. Test result showed that the sample contained profenofos at a level of 0.17 parts per million (ppm), i.e. 1.7 times the maximum residue limit (0.1 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.

     Generally speaking, rinsing fruits thoroughly under running water can reduce the level of pesticide residues. To further reduce the intake of pesticide residues, the fruits can be peeled.

     Since the Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation (Cap 132CM) came into effect on August 1 last year, the CFS has taken over 24 900 samples at import, wholesale and retail levels for testing for pesticide residues and a total of 98 vegetable and fruit samples (including the unsatisfactory sample announced today) have been detected as having excessive pesticide residues. The overall unsatisfactory rate is less than 0.4 per cent.

     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, June 23, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:03

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