Toxic Vegetables Found in Market Again! Two Popular Taiwanese Greens Exceed Pesticide Limits, One Fruit Also Fails – Non-Compliant List Revealed

As modern lifestyles become increasingly fast-paced, purchasing fresh produce through online e-commerce platforms has become a common habit. However, the quality and hygiene safety of food ingredients still require close attention.

Recently, the Taipei City Government Health Department conducted surprise inspections on food sold via online e-commerce platforms, testing fresh fruits and vegetables for pesticide residues, glycoalkaloids, and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. A total of 15 samples were tested in this special inspection. The results revealed that three samples failed to meet relevant regulations, resulting in a 20% non-compliance rate. All non-compliant products originated from the well-known online shopping platform Shopee.

Which online-purchased vegetables and fruits were found to be in violation?

The non-compliant list released by the Health Department includes "curry leaves" sold by vendor "Ah Sheng Farm" on Shopee. Testing revealed residues of insecticides including abamectin, carbaryl, pirimiphos-methyl, and acephate, with some exceeding legal limits or containing substances that must not be detected at all.

Another product, "rosemary" sold by "Miao Vegetable Garden Fruit & Vegetable Store," was found to contain illegal residues of abamectin, dithianon, and methidathion, failing to meet the allowable pesticide residue standards.

Additionally, "fresh air-freighted avocados from the U.S." sold by "Real Ingredients Shop 2021" were found to contain cadmium at 0.06 mg/kg, exceeding the hygienic standards for contaminants and toxins in food.

How has the Health Department responded to and penalized the violating vendors?

Lin Guan-Zhen, Section Chief of the Food and Drug Administration at the Taipei City Health Department, explained that upon identifying non-compliant products, the department immediately notified the e-commerce platform to remove the items from sale.

Upon tracing the source, if the violating products originated from vendors outside Taipei City, the case has been legally referred to the local health authorities for further investigation and penalties. If the source is within Taipei City, the department will directly enforce actions under the Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act after confirming the violation.

Products exceeding pesticide residue safety limits violate Article 15, Paragraph 1, Item 5 of the Food Safety Act. Under Article 44, Paragraph 1, Item 2, responsible businesses may be fined between NT$60,000 and NT$200 million. For products failing heavy metal standards, Article 17 of the Food Safety Act is violated. Such products must be seized and destroyed, and vendors ordered to rectify within a specified period. Failure to comply by the deadline results in fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$3 million.

How should consumers and vendors ensure the safety of online food purchases?

Given the growing trend of online grocery shopping, the Taipei City Health Department urges all consumers to remain vigilant. Before placing orders, carefully check the product origin, temperature control during delivery, and labeling on packaged goods.

After receiving the produce, store it according to the recommended methods on the packaging. When cooking, ensure thorough heating and consume promptly. The department also calls on food manufacturers and retailers to strictly fulfill their self-management responsibilities, ensuring that product labeling and quality fully comply with hygiene regulations to safeguard public food safety.