On February 20, 2025, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety reported the detection of pesticide residues in perilla varieties. The pesticide identified is Chlorpyrifos, which falls under the category of contaminants. This incident has been classified as an 'Other incident' due to the nature of the contamination.
Chlorpyrifos is a pesticide commonly used in agriculture for pest control, but its presence in food products raises concerns regarding food safety and consumer health. The detection in perilla varieties highlights the ongoing issues surrounding pesticide residues in agricultural products.
Perilla, also known as shiso, is a culinary herb widely used in various cuisines, particularly in East Asian dishes. The presence of pesticide residues can impact the marketability of perilla products and may lead to regulatory actions to ensure food safety standards are maintained.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is responsible for monitoring and regulating food safety, and incidents like this underscore the importance of their role in protecting consumers. Further investigations and assessments will likely follow to address the implications of this contamination on public health and agricultural practices.