Clipping Board » Illness Enters through Mouth ─ The information that has been made public is often just the tip of the iceberg...
March 20, 2017, China Times
Consumers who frequently eat lettuce in salads should increase their washing time in the future! Last Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unilaterally announced the relaxation of pesticide residue limits for 128 agricultural products, including vegetables, fruits, and plants. For instance, the limit for lettuce was raised from zero tolerance to 10 ppm. Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Chen Yi-min strongly criticized the move, calling it a 20-fold increase. With food and drug safety scandals emerging one after another, he questioned, "Is the new government's solution to food safety issues simply raising pesticide residue standards?"
On March 13, the Ministry of Health and Welfare proposed amendments to the "Pesticide Residue Limit Standards," revising the maximum residue limits for 22 pesticides across 128 agricultural products, including vegetables, fruits, and plants. The draft also added new categories such as millet and quinoa under coarse grains, and malabar spinach and jute mallow under leafy vegetables. The draft will undergo a 60-day public comment period.
Health and Welfare Minister Chen Shih-chung attended the Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee of the Legislative Yuan today to present a special report titled "Food and Drug Safety Scandals—Has the Five-Ring Food Safety Policy Failed? Plans for Establishing a Drug Traceability System." Legislator Chen Yi-min pointed out that the FDA quietly announced last Wednesday that it would raise pesticide residue limits for agricultural products, disregarding public health.
Chen Yi-min stated that the commonly used pesticide fluopyram was already identified in a 2014 international journal as causing thyroid and liver tumors in rats and mice during long-term consumption. Prolonged intake could significantly impact health. Yet, the limit for tea leaves was abruptly raised to 6 ppm, despite the fact that countries like Australia and Japan prohibit its use in tea, with a maximum allowable concentration of only 0.05 ppm (and 0.1 ppm for bananas). He particularly emphasized the risk with lettuce in salads: "Most vendors only give it a quick rinse before serving, and some unscrupulous ones might not even wash it. Is it really safe to eat this every day?" He advised the public to protect themselves by washing vegetables more thoroughly from now on.
Chen Yi-min noted that EU and WTO regulations stipulate that fluopyram concentrations must not exceed 0.1 ppm. "Why are we suddenly setting it at 6 ppm for a relatively new pesticide?" Tea is an important export product for Taiwan, but many tea farmers are unaware of EU regulations. By relaxing standards to appease tea farmers, isn't the government risking unintended consequences?
Additionally, dimethomorph, a fungicide frequently used by vegetable farmers, was previously undetectable under the old pesticide safety standards. In 2009, the limit was set at 0.5 ppm, and in 2012, it was raised to 2.5 ppm. Now, it is being increased to 10 ppm—a 20-fold jump. Chen Yi-min pointed out that the late toxicology expert Lin Chieh-liang had warned that dimethomorph harms the nervous system, causes infertility with long-term exposure, and damages the liver and kidneys. "Dimethomorph is often among the most abused and over-the-limit pesticides. Raising the limit to 10 ppm—isn't that concerning?" He criticized, "Is the new government's solution to food safety issues just raising pesticide residue standards?"
In response, Minister Chen Shih-chung stated that all the revised standards were based on expert research, but whether they align with international standards may require further investigation. He promised to instruct the FDA to conduct a review.
Source: http://www. chinatimes. com/ realtimenews/ 20170320002262- 260405
Reporter Chen Kunkai / Taipei Report 2017.03.20
Eating fruits and vegetables with pesticides? Kuomintang legislator Chen Yimin questioned today (20th) in the Legislative Yuan the latest amendment to the "Pesticide Residue Tolerance Standards" by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which adjusted the tolerance levels of 22 pesticides in 128 types of fruits and vegetables. Notably, the standard for "dimethomorph," which the late toxicology expert Lin Jieliang had warned posed risks, was raised to 10ppm—a 20-fold increase. Chen slammed the government, asking, "Is loosening the standards the best way to solve food safety issues?" In response, the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated it would further investigate whether the adjustments align with international standards.
The FDA announced the amendment to the "Pesticide Residue Tolerance Standards" last Wednesday (15th), revising the tolerance levels for 22 pesticides in 128 agricultural products, including fruits and vegetables, sparking criticism from legislators.
Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung was invited to the Legislative Yuan today to deliver a special report on "Continuous Food and Drug Safety Scandals—Has the Five-Ring Food Safety Policy Failed? Plans for Establishing a Drug Traceability System." Chen Yimin accused the FDA of disregarding public food safety by raising pesticide residue limits.
Chen Yimin cited "dimethomorph," a pesticide permitted for leafy vegetables such as cabbage, napa cabbage, and bok choy, as an example. The late Lin Jieliang, former director of the Clinical Toxicology Department at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, had cautioned against loosening the standards because leafy vegetables have a larger surface area than fruits like tomatoes and grapes. Improper pesticide use could lead to higher residue levels and greater risks.
Chen Yimin pointed out that farmers commonly use dimethomorph. The original standard prohibited any detectable residue, but in 2009, it was relaxed to 0.5ppm, then to 2.5ppm in 2012, and now to 10ppm—completely ignoring the toxicity of dimethomorph. There are concerns about potential harm to human health, including damage to the reproductive and nervous systems, infertility, and long-term liver and kidney damage from excessive accumulation.
Additionally, Chen Yimin noted that "fluopyram," banned in tea in Australia and Japan, has had its domestic tea residue limit abruptly raised to 6ppm. Fluopyram has been shown in rat studies to cause thyroid and liver tumors and may even affect Taiwan's tea exports.
The FDA responded that the amendments were based on international standards, assessments of cumulative risks from dietary intake, and consultations with the Council of Agriculture, reviewed by expert committees. The adjustments aim to rationalize pesticide use and management while ensuring consumer food safety.
However, in response to legislators' concerns, Chen Shih-chung promised that although all items in the amendment had been reviewed by experts, the FDA would further investigate whether they comply with international standards.
Source: http://www. nownews. com/ n/ 2017/ 03/ 20/ 2448209
March 24, 2017, United Daily News, Reporter Zheng Wei
On March 15, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the latest "Pesticide Residue Tolerance Standards," loosening the allowable pesticide residue levels for 128 types of fruits and vegetables, sparking controversy. Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Chiang Wan-an criticized the FDA's subsequent responses and explanations to public concerns as illogical and an attempt to cover up the issue. Dimethomorph is commonly used on vegetables popular among Taiwanese (such as A-choy and Chinese lettuce), while fluopyram is applied to tea leaves. Does this mean Taiwanese should drink tea while ingesting pesticides?
The FDA and the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) under the Council of Agriculture held a "Consultation Meeting on Pesticide Use and Residue Tolerance Levels" today. Experts at the meeting believed that the scientific evidence assessed by relevant agencies for the two more controversial pesticides in this relaxation of residue standards was already sufficient. For similar disputes in the future, emphasis should be placed on communication, transparency, and openness.
Chiang Wan-an pointed out that fluopyram is commonly used on tea leaves, and it is well-known that Taiwanese love drinking tea. Countries like Japan and Australia have completely banned its use. However, the FDA deliberately misled the public by stating that Japan and the EU allow 15ppm for "vegetables." The focus of public concern is the amount used on "tea leaves," yet the FDA mentioned "vegetables," diverting attention and attempting to deceive the public.
Chiang Wan-an noted that even by EU standards, only 0.05ppm is permitted for tea leaves, yet the Taiwanese government hastily allowed 6ppm—120 times the EU limit. He questioned the FDA, which claims to align with international standards: why lift restrictions on pesticides banned elsewhere and even set a limit 120 times higher than the EU's? Establishing such a standard is not only unbelievable but also highlights the failure of the Tsai Ing-wen administration's "Five Food Safety Rings" policy.
Chiang criticized the government for failing to provide experimental data, safety or risk assessment reports, or any prior communication with farmers or consumers. The severe impact on farmers' livelihoods after the hasty relaxation has not been addressed by the government. The administration, which prides itself on being the "most communicative," has utterly failed to engage with the public on food safety issues, breaking trust with the people.
Chiang also pointed out that according to the FDA's market monitoring program last year, out of 3,341 tested products for pesticide residues, 363 failed, a 10.9% failure rate. Instead of finding ways to reduce the number of non-compliant fruits and vegetables, the FDA is widening the loophole by relaxing residue standards—a logic that is hard to comprehend.
Source: https://udn. com/ news/ story/ 1/ 2363468
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Wash Veggies Longer! Taiwan Government Raises Pesticide Residue Limits 20-Fold
Consumers who frequently eat lettuce in salads should increase their washing time in the future! Last Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unilaterally announced the relaxation of pesticide residue limits for 128 agricultural products, including vegetables, fruits, and plants. For instance, the limit for lettuce was raised from zero tolerance to 10 ppm. Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Chen Yi-min strongly criticized the move, calling it a 20-fold increase. With food and drug safety scandals emerging one after another, he questioned, "Is the new government's solution to food safety issues simply raising pesticide residue standards?"
On March 13, the Ministry of Health and Welfare proposed amendments to the "Pesticide Residue Limit Standards," revising the maximum residue limits for 22 pesticides across 128 agricultural products, including vegetables, fruits, and plants. The draft also added new categories such as millet and quinoa under coarse grains, and malabar spinach and jute mallow under leafy vegetables. The draft will undergo a 60-day public comment period.
Health and Welfare Minister Chen Shih-chung attended the Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee of the Legislative Yuan today to present a special report titled "Food and Drug Safety Scandals—Has the Five-Ring Food Safety Policy Failed? Plans for Establishing a Drug Traceability System." Legislator Chen Yi-min pointed out that the FDA quietly announced last Wednesday that it would raise pesticide residue limits for agricultural products, disregarding public health.
Chen Yi-min stated that the commonly used pesticide fluopyram was already identified in a 2014 international journal as causing thyroid and liver tumors in rats and mice during long-term consumption. Prolonged intake could significantly impact health. Yet, the limit for tea leaves was abruptly raised to 6 ppm, despite the fact that countries like Australia and Japan prohibit its use in tea, with a maximum allowable concentration of only 0.05 ppm (and 0.1 ppm for bananas). He particularly emphasized the risk with lettuce in salads: "Most vendors only give it a quick rinse before serving, and some unscrupulous ones might not even wash it. Is it really safe to eat this every day?" He advised the public to protect themselves by washing vegetables more thoroughly from now on.
Chen Yi-min noted that EU and WTO regulations stipulate that fluopyram concentrations must not exceed 0.1 ppm. "Why are we suddenly setting it at 6 ppm for a relatively new pesticide?" Tea is an important export product for Taiwan, but many tea farmers are unaware of EU regulations. By relaxing standards to appease tea farmers, isn't the government risking unintended consequences?
Additionally, dimethomorph, a fungicide frequently used by vegetable farmers, was previously undetectable under the old pesticide safety standards. In 2009, the limit was set at 0.5 ppm, and in 2012, it was raised to 2.5 ppm. Now, it is being increased to 10 ppm—a 20-fold jump. Chen Yi-min pointed out that the late toxicology expert Lin Chieh-liang had warned that dimethomorph harms the nervous system, causes infertility with long-term exposure, and damages the liver and kidneys. "Dimethomorph is often among the most abused and over-the-limit pesticides. Raising the limit to 10 ppm—isn't that concerning?" He criticized, "Is the new government's solution to food safety issues just raising pesticide residue standards?"
In response, Minister Chen Shih-chung stated that all the revised standards were based on expert research, but whether they align with international standards may require further investigation. He promised to instruct the FDA to conduct a review.
Source: http://www. chinatimes. com/ realtimenews/ 20170320002262- 260405
Pesticides in Veggies? FDA Criticized for 20x Residue Limit Increase
Eating fruits and vegetables with pesticides? Kuomintang legislator Chen Yimin questioned today (20th) in the Legislative Yuan the latest amendment to the "Pesticide Residue Tolerance Standards" by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which adjusted the tolerance levels of 22 pesticides in 128 types of fruits and vegetables. Notably, the standard for "dimethomorph," which the late toxicology expert Lin Jieliang had warned posed risks, was raised to 10ppm—a 20-fold increase. Chen slammed the government, asking, "Is loosening the standards the best way to solve food safety issues?" In response, the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated it would further investigate whether the adjustments align with international standards.
The FDA announced the amendment to the "Pesticide Residue Tolerance Standards" last Wednesday (15th), revising the tolerance levels for 22 pesticides in 128 agricultural products, including fruits and vegetables, sparking criticism from legislators.
Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung was invited to the Legislative Yuan today to deliver a special report on "Continuous Food and Drug Safety Scandals—Has the Five-Ring Food Safety Policy Failed? Plans for Establishing a Drug Traceability System." Chen Yimin accused the FDA of disregarding public food safety by raising pesticide residue limits.
Chen Yimin cited "dimethomorph," a pesticide permitted for leafy vegetables such as cabbage, napa cabbage, and bok choy, as an example. The late Lin Jieliang, former director of the Clinical Toxicology Department at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, had cautioned against loosening the standards because leafy vegetables have a larger surface area than fruits like tomatoes and grapes. Improper pesticide use could lead to higher residue levels and greater risks.
Chen Yimin pointed out that farmers commonly use dimethomorph. The original standard prohibited any detectable residue, but in 2009, it was relaxed to 0.5ppm, then to 2.5ppm in 2012, and now to 10ppm—completely ignoring the toxicity of dimethomorph. There are concerns about potential harm to human health, including damage to the reproductive and nervous systems, infertility, and long-term liver and kidney damage from excessive accumulation.
Additionally, Chen Yimin noted that "fluopyram," banned in tea in Australia and Japan, has had its domestic tea residue limit abruptly raised to 6ppm. Fluopyram has been shown in rat studies to cause thyroid and liver tumors and may even affect Taiwan's tea exports.
The FDA responded that the amendments were based on international standards, assessments of cumulative risks from dietary intake, and consultations with the Council of Agriculture, reviewed by expert committees. The adjustments aim to rationalize pesticide use and management while ensuring consumer food safety.
However, in response to legislators' concerns, Chen Shih-chung promised that although all items in the amendment had been reviewed by experts, the FDA would further investigate whether they comply with international standards.
Source: http://www. nownews. com/ n/ 2017/ 03/ 20/ 2448209
Pesticide Residue Relaxation: Forcing People to Drink Tea with Pesticides?
On March 15, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the latest "Pesticide Residue Tolerance Standards," loosening the allowable pesticide residue levels for 128 types of fruits and vegetables, sparking controversy. Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Chiang Wan-an criticized the FDA's subsequent responses and explanations to public concerns as illogical and an attempt to cover up the issue. Dimethomorph is commonly used on vegetables popular among Taiwanese (such as A-choy and Chinese lettuce), while fluopyram is applied to tea leaves. Does this mean Taiwanese should drink tea while ingesting pesticides?
The FDA and the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) under the Council of Agriculture held a "Consultation Meeting on Pesticide Use and Residue Tolerance Levels" today. Experts at the meeting believed that the scientific evidence assessed by relevant agencies for the two more controversial pesticides in this relaxation of residue standards was already sufficient. For similar disputes in the future, emphasis should be placed on communication, transparency, and openness.
Chiang Wan-an pointed out that fluopyram is commonly used on tea leaves, and it is well-known that Taiwanese love drinking tea. Countries like Japan and Australia have completely banned its use. However, the FDA deliberately misled the public by stating that Japan and the EU allow 15ppm for "vegetables." The focus of public concern is the amount used on "tea leaves," yet the FDA mentioned "vegetables," diverting attention and attempting to deceive the public.
Chiang Wan-an noted that even by EU standards, only 0.05ppm is permitted for tea leaves, yet the Taiwanese government hastily allowed 6ppm—120 times the EU limit. He questioned the FDA, which claims to align with international standards: why lift restrictions on pesticides banned elsewhere and even set a limit 120 times higher than the EU's? Establishing such a standard is not only unbelievable but also highlights the failure of the Tsai Ing-wen administration's "Five Food Safety Rings" policy.
Chiang criticized the government for failing to provide experimental data, safety or risk assessment reports, or any prior communication with farmers or consumers. The severe impact on farmers' livelihoods after the hasty relaxation has not been addressed by the government. The administration, which prides itself on being the "most communicative," has utterly failed to engage with the public on food safety issues, breaking trust with the people.
Chiang also pointed out that according to the FDA's market monitoring program last year, out of 3,341 tested products for pesticide residues, 363 failed, a 10.9% failure rate. Instead of finding ways to reduce the number of non-compliant fruits and vegetables, the FDA is widening the loophole by relaxing residue standards—a logic that is hard to comprehend.
Source: https://udn. com/ news/ story/ 1/ 2363468