TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Recent Taipei City Department of Health testing found that one in five produce samples exceeded pesticide residue limits.

In June, the department conducted random testing of 50 samples from fruit and vegetable vendors, supermarkets, restaurants, and other outlets, per CNA. Eleven samples, 22%, were found with excessive pesticide residues.

Failing items included chive flowers, chili peppers, and lychee (two samples each), while snow peas, Thai basil, cilantro, chives, and mango each had one failing sample. Except for mango, all are classified in Taiwan as high-risk agricultural products, meaning they statistically have a higher chance of failing pesticide residue tests.

The department ordered the affected products removed from shelves immediately. Items sourced from within the city will be handled under the Food Safety and Health Management Act, while those from other parts of the country will follow local health authority guidelines.

Lin Guanzhen (林冠蓁), section chief of the Taipei City Health Bureau, said producers whose crops exceed permitted residue levels face fines ranging from NT$60,000 (US$1,950) to NT$200 million. If the source cannot be identified, fines range from NT$30,000 to NT$3 million.