Monitoring Pesticides Residues in Food
Pesticide
Pesticides are substances used to kill or control unwanted insects, plants, fungi, rodents or other pests. Insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides and fungicides are some commonly used pesticides.
Use of Pesticides
The use of pesticides contributes significantly to the well being of the people. The production and quality of food are increased through the use of pesticides. The control of disease-carrying pests contributes to the better health of the people. On the other hand, use of pesticides has led to various problems. Some of the pesticides are persistent in the environment and may concentrate through the food chain - from plankton or insects to birds, fish, animals and eventually to human beings. Some of these pesticides were found to exhibit evidence of long-term adverse effects when taken in significant amount. Abuse of pesticides may result in acute food poisoning. The sporadic occurrence of food poisoning caused by consumption of vegetable tainted with pesticides is a typical example.
Locally, the Pesticide Ordinance, Cap. 133 administered by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) provides for the registration and control of pesticides. In accordance with the Ordinance, a list of registered pesticides approved for use in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is published in the Gazette every year. The list is also available from AFCD for reference.
