A Consumers Foundation investigation has uncovered Granny Smith apples imported from the United States containing traces of banned pesticides, with the importer potentially facing a fine of between NT$60,000 (US$1,880) and NT$200 million, the nonprofit said Wednesday.

“The Granny Smith apple, one of the eight samples of apples purchased from a local hypermarket was found to contain traces of the banned pesticide chlorpyrifos,” foundation inspector Ling Yung-chien (凌永健) told a news conference.

The foundation held the news conference to announce the results of its recent inspection of apples, broccoli, and grapes sold via retail channels in Taiwan.

The foundation will hand its findings regarding the 18 samples purchased from local retailers to the competent authority, Ling said.

Other inspections conducted by the foundation found seven grape samples containing residues from one to six types of pesticides within the permissible levels, Ling said.

Based on the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, food and food ingredients found to contain excessive traces of certain pesticides or animal medicines must not be made, processed, adulterated, packaged, transported, stored, sold, imported, exported, gifted, or displayed in public.

Individuals who breach the act will be subject to a NT$60,000-NT$200 million fine,and those deemed serious violators could see their operating or business licensesuspended or revoked, the foundation said.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel