The Latvian Food and Veterinary Service has found exceeded levels of the pesticide chlorpyrifos in the Indian spice Asofoetida, although the product has not entered the market.
The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) of Latvia has conducted laboratory tests revealing that the Indian-origin spice Asofoetida contained pesticide residues of chlorpyrifos exceeding the allowable limits. Specifically, in a sample weighing 100 grams, there were detected 0.081 milligrams of chlorpyrifos per kilogram, alongside a potential error rate of 0.041 milligrams per kilogram in that measurement. This finding highlights potential issues of food safety concerning imported spices that raise health concerns for consumers.
PVD has confirmed that this contaminated product has not reached the market, thereby preventing any immediate risk to consumers. In efforts to maintain food safety and public health, the agency has reported the findings through the European Unionβs Rapid Alert System. This system is designed to ensure quick communication and action on food safety incidents to protect public health not only in Latvia but across the European Union.
The PVD operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and is responsible for the oversight and control of food circulation and veterinary medicine. This incident underscores the critical role of such agencies in monitoring food safety and enforcing regulations to prevent the distribution of potentially hazardous food products. In light of this finding, further scrutiny of imported food products from regions with pesticide concerns may be warranted for consumer protection.
