The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment (MCE) announced that none of the agricultural products tested from the Nakdong River area contained green algae toxins (microcystins). The analysis, which included rice, radishes, and cabbages harvested from select regions in North Gyeongsang and South Gyeongsang provinces, examined 60 samples in total. Notably, three types of microcystin — MC-LR, YR, and RR — known for their high toxicity and prevalence, were assessed using certified testing methods. This recent finding comes after previous investigations by environmental organizations uncovered dangerous levels of these toxins in similar produce, raising health concerns among consumers.

Recognizing the persistent issues surrounding green algae blooms in the Nakdong River, MCE collaborated with a research team led by professor Lee Seung-jun from Kyungpook National University for these tests. The locations chosen for sampling were guided by insights from environmental groups, focusing on areas that previously reported higher occurrences of green algae. MCE's proactive approach comes in light of the recurrent threat posed by these toxins and aims to reassure consumers about the safety of locally grown food items, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and research.

Although the recent testing showed no toxin detection, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to release toxicity benchmarks in March to evaluate potential human health risks posed by microcystins in food. It indicates a cautious stance toward environmental contaminants consistent with past occurrences of toxic levels discovered between 2021 and 2022. Professor Lee suggests the need for a systematic approach that starts by testing agricultural water sources for toxins before evaluating the produce itself, highlighting the intricate relationships between water quality and food safety.