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Pesticide residue exceeds legal limit in Papaya sample

  • 2026.07.28
Food name:Papaya
Pesticide name:Thiamethoxam
Detected level:

0.12 parts per million

Maximum residue limit:

0.01 parts per million

Sampling location:

The CFS collected the Papaya sample at import level for testing under routine Food Surveillance Programme.

Remarks:

  1. The Centre for Food Safety has instructed the vendor to stop selling the affected product.

  2. Any person who imports, manufactures or sells any food not in compliance with the requirements of the Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation (Cap 132CM) concerning pesticide residues commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

  3. Based on the level of Thiamethoxam detected in the sample, risk assessment showed that adverse health effects are unlikely under usual consumption.

  4. The CFS will follow up on the unsatisfactory result, including tracing the source of the food in question and taking samples for testing.

  5. Investigation is ongoing.

Reposted from HKSAR Government webpage: 

https://www.cfs.gov.hk/english/unsat_samples/20260728_12524.html