Penang Health Dept destroys 1,620kg of celery from China

The Penang Health Department today disposed of 1,620kg of celery imported from China worth RM12,960 after they were detected to contain pesticide residue above the permitted limit.

Penang Health director Dr Ma'arof Sudin said the Health Ministry’s Food Safety and Quality Division confiscated all the celery following an inspection that found they contained pesticide residue.

"Today, a total of 1,620kg of celery imported from China through Penang's international gateway has been disposed of...

"The vegetables were detected to contain Organonitrogen pesticide residue in excess of the permitted limit," he said in a statement today.

He said based on the department’s monitoring last year, an average of 12.2 percent of pesticide residue violations was detected.

The produce was traced and notifications were sent to relevant producers and importers of agricultural products.

"The department continues with efforts to check on the presence of pesticide residues in agricultural products...

"Actions have been taken at various levels to ensure that all producers, sellers, agents, and importers of agricultural products comply with the Food Act 1983 and the Food Regulations 1985," he said.

He added that this was to ensure consumers were protected from issues concerning food safety.

- Bernama