Unfit Mustard Greens Found in Kalimati Market

Kathmandu. During pesticide residue testing in Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market, mustard greens brought from Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, were found unfit for consumption.

In the test conducted on Tuesday by the 'Pesticide Residue Rapid Analysis Laboratory Unit' under the Central Agricultural Laboratory, Kalimati, high levels of pesticides were found in one out of thirteen samples.

According to the laboratory, the inhibition percentage of organophosphate pesticide in mustard greens brought to the market by Sunita Shrestha was found to be 55.72 percent. As per government standards, if the pesticide level exceeds 45 percent, such vegetables and fruits are considered unfit for consumption and must be immediately disposed of. Accordingly, the mustard greens have been ordered to be disposed of.

Other vegetables and fruits tested on the same day were found to be safe for consumption. The laboratory had tested watermelon from Sunsari, papaya from India, watermelon from Nawalparasi, apple from China, bitter gourd from Dhading, cabbage from Makwanpur, tomato and chili from Nuwakot, cucumber from Kathmandu, eggplant from Chitwan, capsicum from Kavre, and mustard greens from Dolakha. In all these, the pesticide level was found to be less than 35 percent, and they were certified as fit for consumption.

According to government regulations, if the inhibition percentage is less than 35 percent, it is fit for consumption; if it is between 35 to 45 percent, it should be used after keeping it for a few days (quarantine); and if it is more than 45 percent, it must be destroyed.

This test was based only on carbamate and organophosphate group insecticides, the laboratory stated.