Taiwanese Mayor Demands Action on Pesticide-Laden Radishes

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih has urged for improved source management and a transparent platform for inspecting and tracing agricultural products after imported white radishes were found to contain excessive pesticide residues. The discovery was made during routine testing by the New Taipei City Agricultural Products Marketing Corporation.

Hou emphasized the need for cooperation between central and local governments to establish a publicly accessible system for product inspection and traceability. He called for stricter oversight at the source of production to ensure food safety.

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We have already tasked the subordinate New Taipei City Government Department of Health to investigate and trace the source according to the law, and to follow up with administrative punishment according to the Food Safety and Sanitation Act.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responded by stating that it has already assigned the New Taipei City Department of Health to investigate the matter and take appropriate action according to the Food Safety and Sanitation Act. The FDA also highlighted its ongoing annual monitoring program for pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables, which is adjusted annually to focus on high-risk items.

According to FDA Southern Region Management Center Director Wei Jen-ting, cases of non-compliance with pesticide residue regulations are handled by local health departments, with follow-ups on the source. For imported goods, border inspections are intensified, while domestic produce issues are referred to agricultural authorities for farmer guidance on proper pesticide use.

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The FDA has established an annual monitoring plan for pesticide residues in market fruits and vegetables, with local health departments conducting sampling at the market level.