Chinese grapes’ pesticide residue exceeds 5 times

Vietnam’s Plant Protection Department has identified that pesticide residues from imported Chinese grapes are 5 times higher than Vietnamese safety standards.

The grapes mostly contain difenoconazole residue exceeding the normal norms by 3-5 times.

The fruits, imported via the border gates in northern upland province of Lao Cai, are widely sold in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s southernmost region, according to the state agency under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Nguyen Xuan Hong, director of the department, told newswire Vnexpress that the data came out after a month-long test on 104 samples of foreign fruits and vegetables that are on sale at local markets.

The tests found that pesticide residues in samples of three kinds of Chinese fruits and vegetables are much higher than local standards.

Chinese grapes, imported from China through Lao Cai border gates, are transported to the wholesale market of Thu Duc in Ho Chi Minh City before making their way to the Mekong Delta.

As they are sold under direct sunlight all day but still show no sign of decay, local authorities suspect they contain chemical preservatives.

The test result for residues on grapes sold roadside in the southern province of Hau Giang is expected to be publicized on Wednesday.

Chinese grapes are sold at VND20,000-40,000 a kilogram under the misleading label of "American grapes". Actually, the original price as showed on the invoices offered to local inspection authorities by local suppliers is a mere VND6,000 a kilogram.

In fact, Chinese grapes are easily recognized by the naked eyes as they have pale skin covered in a thin layer of white powder. They also have a sour taste and many seeds inside.

Meanwhile, American grapes, which are commonly priced at VND90,000-100,000 a kilogram, have darker skin color and taste much sweeter.