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February 9, 2012, China Times [Report by Hou Li'an / Taipei]
Greenpeace tested fruits and vegetables in domestic supermarkets and found 36 types of pesticide residues, 20 of which were classified as highly toxic by the Council of Agriculture (COA). The investigation also revealed that over half of the fresh produce sampled contained mixtures of multiple pesticides, potentially creating a "cocktail effect" that could double the harm to human health. Additionally, residues of highly toxic pesticides were widespread. Tests conducted at six supermarkets all detected 11 types of pesticides, including cyhalothrin, fenpropathrin, hexythiazox, and amitraz, which have already been banned in the EU.
Environmental groups accused Taiwan of using many highly toxic pesticides that have been discontinued by the EU or classified as "extremely hazardous" by the World Health Organization (WHO). The COA's Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) responded that highly toxic pesticides in Taiwan still undergo safety evaluations. Over recent years, 30 to 40 highly toxic pesticides have been phased out, leaving only about 20 approved for use. However, whenever alternative pesticides are available, efforts will be made to transition toward less toxic options, provided it does not affect production and sales.
Greenpeace's agriculture project director, Tsai Szu-ting, pointed out that the use of highly toxic pesticides primarily endangers farmers' health, while consumers are exposed to pesticide residues through daily diets. Long-term exposure may disrupt endocrine functions, damage the nervous system, or even increase cancer risks.
Tsai also expressed concern that the mixture of multiple pesticides could produce a "cocktail effect," amplifying harm to human health. Just as mixing different types of alcohol can make even those with high tolerance drunk more easily, pesticide mixtures—even if each individual pesticide is below the safety limit—can still combine to impact health. In response, BAPHIQ stated it would strengthen efforts to educate farmers on proper pesticide use.
Liu Tian-cheng, deputy director of BAPHIQ's Plant Quarantine Division, explained that there are over 500 pesticide varieties, each with residue standards set by the bureau. Pesticides internationally recognized as causing fetal deformities or cancer risks are strictly banned in Taiwan. The COA conducts an average of over 10,000 field tests on fruits and vegetables annually, with a compliance rate of about 95%. For high-risk seasonal produce, compliance rates are around 91%, which does not differ significantly from environmental groups' test results.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ % E7……A% BA% E9% AB% 94- 213000079. html
Green Groups: Cocktail Effect of Pesticides More Toxic, Doubling Harm to Humans
Greenpeace tested fruits and vegetables in domestic supermarkets and found 36 types of pesticide residues, 20 of which were classified as highly toxic by the Council of Agriculture (COA). The investigation also revealed that over half of the fresh produce sampled contained mixtures of multiple pesticides, potentially creating a "cocktail effect" that could double the harm to human health. Additionally, residues of highly toxic pesticides were widespread. Tests conducted at six supermarkets all detected 11 types of pesticides, including cyhalothrin, fenpropathrin, hexythiazox, and amitraz, which have already been banned in the EU.
Environmental groups accused Taiwan of using many highly toxic pesticides that have been discontinued by the EU or classified as "extremely hazardous" by the World Health Organization (WHO). The COA's Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) responded that highly toxic pesticides in Taiwan still undergo safety evaluations. Over recent years, 30 to 40 highly toxic pesticides have been phased out, leaving only about 20 approved for use. However, whenever alternative pesticides are available, efforts will be made to transition toward less toxic options, provided it does not affect production and sales.
Greenpeace's agriculture project director, Tsai Szu-ting, pointed out that the use of highly toxic pesticides primarily endangers farmers' health, while consumers are exposed to pesticide residues through daily diets. Long-term exposure may disrupt endocrine functions, damage the nervous system, or even increase cancer risks.
Tsai also expressed concern that the mixture of multiple pesticides could produce a "cocktail effect," amplifying harm to human health. Just as mixing different types of alcohol can make even those with high tolerance drunk more easily, pesticide mixtures—even if each individual pesticide is below the safety limit—can still combine to impact health. In response, BAPHIQ stated it would strengthen efforts to educate farmers on proper pesticide use.
Liu Tian-cheng, deputy director of BAPHIQ's Plant Quarantine Division, explained that there are over 500 pesticide varieties, each with residue standards set by the bureau. Pesticides internationally recognized as causing fetal deformities or cancer risks are strictly banned in Taiwan. The COA conducts an average of over 10,000 field tests on fruits and vegetables annually, with a compliance rate of about 95%. For high-risk seasonal produce, compliance rates are around 91%, which does not differ significantly from environmental groups' test results.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ % E7……A% BA% E9% AB% 94- 213000079. html