TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Pesticide residue was found to be 60 times over the standard limit in green peppers at a Thai restaurant in Taichung, Nara Thai Cuisine, according to the city's Office of Food and Drug Safety on Monday (Dec. 25).
The office released the results of its investigation from September to November into popular dining businesses and specialty restaurants recommended by both the media and online personalities.
The initiative targeted various international dishes, including Malay, Japanese, American, Italian, Turkish, and eateries recommended by Michelin Guides, food shows, and online influencers.
Criteria audited included business registration, compliance with Good Hygiene Practice (GHP) guidelines, labeling, source document preservation, standard contracts, and product liability insurance.
During the inspection process, 48 food product samples were tested. The office detected 0.6 ppm, at a rate 60 times the permissible limit, of pesticide (Profenofos) in the green peppers at North District's Nara Thai Cuisine. The limit is below 0.01ppm.
Authorities have demanded Nara Thai Cuisine immediately cease using the batch of green peppers and will transfer the case to relevant bodies for further investigation.
Upon confirmed violation, the restaurant could face fines ranging from NT＄60,000 to NT＄200 million under the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation.
Farmers inappropriately using pesticides can be fined from NT＄15,000 to NT＄150,000.
