Safety Inspection of Residual Pesticides in Agricultural Products in Incheon... 51 Cases Out of 4,490 Found 'Non-compliant'

Incheon Health and Environment Research Institute, 1071kg Waste Disposed This Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] The Incheon City Health and Environment Research Institute announced on the 24th that it conducted residual pesticide safety inspections on 4,490 agricultural products distributed within the region this year, and 51 cases (1.1%) including chamnamul were judged to be non-compliant, resulting in the disposal of 1,071 kg.

The institute conducted residual pesticide safety inspections on a total of 4,490 cases, including 3,651 agricultural products brought into Samsan and Namchon agricultural wholesale markets, and 839 agricultural products distributed through large supermarkets, traditional markets, and online channels.

Among the results, the 51 non-compliant cases covered 26 items: ▲ chamnamul 5 cases ▲ coriander, chwinamul, and green onions (including scallions) 4 cases each ▲ dill, basil, and bangpungnamul 3 cases each ▲ chili leaves, dolnamul, spinach, rice, ssukgat, and chicory 2 cases each ▲ and 13 other items including lemongrass with 1 case each.

The Health Institute immediately seized and disposed of all these agricultural products and notified the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the relevant local governments to take administrative actions such as fines, administrative guidance, and criminal charges.

The institute also conducts inspections of agricultural products consumed in large quantities during specific periods such as holidays, spring greens, and kimchi-making ingredients, as well as agricultural products related to meals served at daycare centers and elementary, middle, and high schools at the on-site inspection office of the agricultural wholesale market.

Furthermore, the inspection results of aromatic plants showed a non-compliance rate of 1.1% this year, higher than last year's 1.0%. The institute plans to continue conducting planned inspections and increase pre-auction inspections, which are effective in blocking distribution, to ensure the safety of agricultural products.

Kwon Moonju, director of the Incheon City Health and Environment Research Institute, stated, "We will strengthen residual pesticide inspections of agricultural products before auction and do our best to ensure the safety of food provided to citizens through multifaceted sampling and inspections in response to changes in food culture and consumption."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.