TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taipei City Market Administration Office (台北市市場處) announced on Wednesday (May 29) that it detected pesticide residues exceeding safety standards in three types of vegetables: spoon cabbage, bok choy, and rapeseed canola.

The office had conducted routine sampling inspections of 1,252 vegetables and fruits from traditional markets. CNA reported that 141 items failed the inspections, with the majority being spoon cabbage, bok choy, and canola. A total of 26,739 kilograms of contaminated produce was subsequently destroyed.

The Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing Corporation traced the non-compliant produce to suppliers in Yunlin, Pingtung, and Changhua counties.

If a supplier's produce exceeds pesticide residue levels, the office suspends the supplier and notifies the Agriculture and Food Agency and the local agricultural authority in the supplier's region. Farmers are then required to attend training on proper pesticide application and source management practices.

The three vegetables in question are all cruciferous, a family particularly susceptible to insect damage, especially during the summer months. Uncontrolled pesticide application can easily lead to residues exceeding safety standards.

With the watermelon season from April to August underway, the office advised consumers to select watermelons with small navels, distinct rind patterns, and a smooth texture. Watermelons should be stored in cool, well-ventilated areas, and sliced watermelons should be consumed promptly or wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated.