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[The Epoch Times, September 30] (Reported by Lin Huiyi, Taipei, Taiwan)
Four traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients widely regarded as health-boosting—red dates, goji berries, ginseng, and angelica—are commonly consumed, whether steeped in water, used in soups, or added to dishes. However, a recent sampling by the Consumers' Foundation (CF) found that 26 out of 40 tested products contained pesticide residues. Over 90% of these herbs sold in traditional medicine shops or wholesale stores are imported from China, often with incomplete labeling when sold by weight. Can consumers truly feel safe purchasing them?
The CF recently conducted tests on red dates, goji berries, ginseng, and angelica for preservatives, sulfur dioxide, heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury), and pesticide residues. Sulfur dioxide was detected in commercially available angelica, while pesticide residues were found in red dates, goji berries, and ginseng. The CF will publish the sampling results to serve as a reference for consumers when making purchases.
The CF stated that the samples were purchased in mid-July 2009 from various sources in the Greater Taipei area, including traditional medicine shops, wholesale stores, supermarkets, welfare centers, and organic specialty stores. A total of 40 samples were collected—10 each of red dates, goji berries, ginseng, and angelica.
The findings revealed that 6 red date samples, 7 goji berry samples, 8 ginseng samples, and 9 angelica samples failed to meet regulations. Among the non-compliant items, none were labeled with a "manufacturing date." Additionally, sulfur dioxide was detected in 1 red date sample, 7 goji berry samples, 1 ginseng sample, and all 10 angelica samples, totaling 19 samples.
If ginseng and angelica are classified as "non-listed processed foods," then sample No. 21 ("fresh ginseng") and samples No. 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, and 40 ("angelica slices") exceeded the sulfur dioxide residue limit of 0.030 g/kg.
In the test results, 9 red date samples contained synthetic pyrethroids or nitrogen-based and heterocyclic fungicides. Among the 10 goji berry samples, residues of fenvalerate, carbendazim (a carbamate fungicide), acetamiprid or imidacloprid (nitrogen-based and heterocyclic insecticides), or dicofol (an organochlorine insecticide) were detected. Samples No. 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, and 20—7 in total—contained residues of four or more pesticides.
The Department of Health noted that currently, only goji berries are not classified as traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients but are listed as "herbs that can also be used as food." Whether the packaging and labeling regulations for red dates, angelica, and ginseng under the Chinese Medicine Committee are being enforced—along with strengthened raw material management and traceability—remains to be examined. Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing herbs with incomplete labeling.
**CF Recommendation: Soak Before Cooking, Leave Lid Off While Cooking**
Over 90% of traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients in Taiwan are imported from China, yet their quality varies. During storage and processing, issues like insect damage, mold, or discoloration often arise. To preserve the appearance of these herbs, some producers may fumigate them with sulfur or add preservatives for whitening and preservation.
However, improper control of sulfur fumigation or preservative use can lead to excessive sulfur or preservative residues, posing health risks. The CF recommends that consumers soak the herbs in water before cooking and discard the soaking water. Alternatively, cooking without a lid can help volatilize sulfur dioxide and preservatives, reducing intake.Additionally, Taiwan's climate is generally hot and humid, making the storage of traditional Chinese herbs quite challenging. If they are not used for an extended period, it is recommended to store them in vacuum-sealed containers with desiccants inside, ensuring the desiccants do not come into direct contact with the herbs. Avoid direct sunlight and refrain from storing the herbs directly in the freezer.
The Consumers' Foundation recommends strengthening control over pesticide residue issues and urges businesses to provide complete labeling for bulk traditional Chinese herbs.
Source: http://www. epochtimes. com/ b5/ 9/ 9/ 30/ n2673580. htm
Uncontrolled Pesticide Residues in Taiwan's Bulk Imported Chinese Herbs
Four traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients widely regarded as health-boosting—red dates, goji berries, ginseng, and angelica—are commonly consumed, whether steeped in water, used in soups, or added to dishes. However, a recent sampling by the Consumers' Foundation (CF) found that 26 out of 40 tested products contained pesticide residues. Over 90% of these herbs sold in traditional medicine shops or wholesale stores are imported from China, often with incomplete labeling when sold by weight. Can consumers truly feel safe purchasing them?
The CF recently conducted tests on red dates, goji berries, ginseng, and angelica for preservatives, sulfur dioxide, heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury), and pesticide residues. Sulfur dioxide was detected in commercially available angelica, while pesticide residues were found in red dates, goji berries, and ginseng. The CF will publish the sampling results to serve as a reference for consumers when making purchases.
The CF stated that the samples were purchased in mid-July 2009 from various sources in the Greater Taipei area, including traditional medicine shops, wholesale stores, supermarkets, welfare centers, and organic specialty stores. A total of 40 samples were collected—10 each of red dates, goji berries, ginseng, and angelica.
The findings revealed that 6 red date samples, 7 goji berry samples, 8 ginseng samples, and 9 angelica samples failed to meet regulations. Among the non-compliant items, none were labeled with a "manufacturing date." Additionally, sulfur dioxide was detected in 1 red date sample, 7 goji berry samples, 1 ginseng sample, and all 10 angelica samples, totaling 19 samples.
If ginseng and angelica are classified as "non-listed processed foods," then sample No. 21 ("fresh ginseng") and samples No. 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, and 40 ("angelica slices") exceeded the sulfur dioxide residue limit of 0.030 g/kg.
In the test results, 9 red date samples contained synthetic pyrethroids or nitrogen-based and heterocyclic fungicides. Among the 10 goji berry samples, residues of fenvalerate, carbendazim (a carbamate fungicide), acetamiprid or imidacloprid (nitrogen-based and heterocyclic insecticides), or dicofol (an organochlorine insecticide) were detected. Samples No. 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, and 20—7 in total—contained residues of four or more pesticides.
The Department of Health noted that currently, only goji berries are not classified as traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients but are listed as "herbs that can also be used as food." Whether the packaging and labeling regulations for red dates, angelica, and ginseng under the Chinese Medicine Committee are being enforced—along with strengthened raw material management and traceability—remains to be examined. Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing herbs with incomplete labeling.
**CF Recommendation: Soak Before Cooking, Leave Lid Off While Cooking**
Over 90% of traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients in Taiwan are imported from China, yet their quality varies. During storage and processing, issues like insect damage, mold, or discoloration often arise. To preserve the appearance of these herbs, some producers may fumigate them with sulfur or add preservatives for whitening and preservation.
However, improper control of sulfur fumigation or preservative use can lead to excessive sulfur or preservative residues, posing health risks. The CF recommends that consumers soak the herbs in water before cooking and discard the soaking water. Alternatively, cooking without a lid can help volatilize sulfur dioxide and preservatives, reducing intake.Additionally, Taiwan's climate is generally hot and humid, making the storage of traditional Chinese herbs quite challenging. If they are not used for an extended period, it is recommended to store them in vacuum-sealed containers with desiccants inside, ensuring the desiccants do not come into direct contact with the herbs. Avoid direct sunlight and refrain from storing the herbs directly in the freezer.
The Consumers' Foundation recommends strengthening control over pesticide residue issues and urges businesses to provide complete labeling for bulk traditional Chinese herbs.
Source: http://www. epochtimes. com/ b5/ 9/ 9/ 30/ n2673580. htm