Authorities have detected pesticide residue in four types of vegetables imported from Vietnam, following a strict inspection carried out at Chrey Thom international border gate in Kandal province, according to a statement posted on the Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud Repression Directorate-General's (CCF) official Facebook page.
The inspection, conducted on June 26, 2025, by CCF under the Ministry of Commerce, involved preliminary tests on 22 samples of vegetables imported from Vietnam. Of those four samples, garlic, red onions, lemons and green beans were found to contain pesticide residues.
The 22 test samples included a wide range of commonly consumed vegetables, such as garlic, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, radishes, bitter melon, radishes, onions, Malay peppers, Hawaiian peppers, purple cabbage, radishes, French onions, pickled oranges, green beans, Javanese beans, red onions, lemons, long beans, and green French beans.
CCF officials confirmed that all tested samples have been sent to the Laboratory Department for detailed chemical analysis to further investigate compliance.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), pesticide residues, any specified substances of pesticides, are commonly found on fruits and vegetables due to pesticide use during crop production. These residues include the pesticide itself, as well as its metabolites, conversion products and impurities that are toxicologically significant.
While pesticides are used to protect crops and prevent disease, there is concern because even trace amounts may pose potential health risks to consumers, especially with chronic exposure.
Kim Measokseiha, Director of CCF, told Kiripost the four types of vegetables were found to contain pesticide residues. "The amounts were small and have been destroyed," he said.
Nouth Sambath, President of the Institute of Medicine, Biology and Agriculture at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, expressed "a deep concern" for public health as these chemicals cannot be seen by the naked eye.
"It is a disaster to public health, causing mild acute poisoning. Consumers may vomit, as well as have diarrhea in a short period of time. Otherwise, it stays in the body for a long time, causing chronic diseases, such as gastritis, and non-communicable diseases, such as cancer," he said
In 2020, the government issued a document to ban Vietnam's fruits and vegetables from being imported. The action came after finding pesticide residues that exceeded the permissible quantity in six Vietnamese agricultural products, comprising cabbages, broccoli, okra, pumpkins, limes and chives, according to Vietnamplus news.
In 2024, the European Union (EU) issued 130 warnings and increased inspections for Vietnamese agricultural products due to excessive pesticide residue and other safety violations, particularly concerning durian.
To mitigate the risk, Sambath recommended that producers use locally-made organic pesticides, which are generally less harmful. He noted that many imported fruits and vegetables contain chemical residues, urging consumers to remain cautious by thoroughly washing produce multiple times to minimise exposure.
Many of these chemicals have been banned from agricultural use in developed countries, but they are still used in many developing countries.
He urged relevant ministries to closely monitor and increase chemical residue inspection by strictly enforcing checks on licenses of importers of fruit and vegetables at the border. In addition, education and public awareness campaigns are key to improve knowledge of food safety and security.
Measokseiha acknowledged that the potential health risks remain from residual chemicals on vegetables. He said currently CFF officials have cooperated with the General Department of Customs and Excise to continue to step up inspections at border crossings.
"Such as the Tboung Khmum border crossing, which is being implemented today, and random checks across other border crossings," he said.
The first quarter of 2025 saw Cambodia export $2.3 billion worth of products to Vietnam, up 0.7 percent compared to the same period in 2024, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise.
In 2024, bilateral trade between Cambodia and Vietnam reached $7.7 billion. Cambodia exported $3.6 billion worth of goods to Vietnam and imported $4.1 billion worth of goods.
Source: KiriPost