Basil, cow pea tainted, survey finds

Basil, cow pea tainted, survey finds

Kaprao or holy basil leaves sold at markets contain the highest levels of chemical residue out of 10 types of produce in a random test by food safety campaigners.

Prokchon Usap, co-ordinator of the Thai Pesticide Alert Network (Thai-PAN), said 62.5% of holy basil leaves were found to be contaminated with chemical residue exceeding the maximum residue limits (MRLs) recommended by the Public Health Ministry.

About 32.5% of cow pea and Chinese kale were also found to exceed MRLs, followed by 25% of Chinese morning glory, Chinese mustard green and round aubergine and 12.5% of cucumber and red chilli.

Chinese cabbage and cabbage were both found to be chemical-free, said Ms Prokchon, speaking at the annual seminar on surveillance of pesticide residues in vegetables held at Chulabhorn Research Institute yesterday.

The samples, including those with a "Q mark" label, were randomly collected from outlets such as Tesco Lotus, Big C, and Makro, and fresh markets such as Talad Thai, Si Mum Muang, Pak Khlong Talad, and Bang Yai, she said.

The "Q mark" label helps consumers recognise produce that has been verified as safe to eat.

Ms Prokchon said the findings show the level of contamination this year has dropped compared with last year, adding that several operators have listened to advice and cut the use of chemicals.

About 20% of vegetables with the "Q mark" were contaminated this year compared with more than half last year, she said.

The studies were conducted in league with the Thai Retailers Association, Thai Fresh Market Association, Food and Drug Administration, National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards and Department of Agriculture.

Meanwhile, 30% of samples from fresh markets were found to exceed recommended MRLs.

Patchara Klaewkla, from the Foundation for Consumers, said consumer groups plan to hold talks to find ways to reduce pesticide residues found in vegetables.

The talks will include the topic of how to bring in tougher measures to punish owners who use too many chemicals.

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