The study clearly indicates the alarming threat posed by pesticide residue present in the food consumed by Valley residents. [break]
Among the diets studied, green-leafy vegetable samples from retail stores in Lalitpur, vegetables from retail stores in Bhaktapur, and samples of rice, pulses and vegetables from Kathmandu were found containing high level of pesticide residue. According to the DFTQC, 15 food samples were taken from different locations based on the local food consumption pattern.
“None of the samples were free from pesticide contamination. They were contaminated with one or the other of the 10 varieties of pesticides,” the report revealed.
The study was undertaken using the tool of Total Diet Study (TDS) to evaluate the risks posed by food contaminated with pesticide. The detected pesticides were endosulfan, chlorpyriphos, malathion, parathion-methyl, and profenophos. Similarly, cypermethrin, fenvalerate (RR+Ss), lambada-cyhalothrin and permethrin were also found in most of the food samples.
“Parathion-methyl and cypermethrin were the most common pesticides found in almost all food samples,” the report further says.
In recent years, pesticide use has incresed markedly across the country. Endosulfan is used to give a polished appearance to vegetables like tomato, brinjal, and mustard leaves. A blend of pesticides is also applied on different vegetables and tea. Some insecticides are applied on the fish to keep flies away during display at shops.
“This is the pilot study conducted only in the Kathmandu Valley. We are planning to conduct a massive awareness program across the country,” Director General of DFTQC Jiwan Prabha Lama, said. "The pesticides found in the food we consume are hazardous to human health." She also said that DFTQC will conduct national-level survey in the near future.
The improper and excessive use of pesticide is dangeous to the health of consumers. It may lead to acute food poisoning with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness and numbness, the report says. In severe cases, the victim may even have difficulties in breathing, blurred vision and convulsion. Prolonged consumption of vegetables with excessive pesticides may also damage the nervous system or other organs such as liver and kidneys. Some pesticides may be transferred unknowingly to infants through breast milk thereby affecting development of the baby.
The samples tested by DFTQC were further analyzed at Vimta Lab, Hyderabad, India. The food samples were analyzed for 97 types of pesticides as per the EU protocol for pesticide residues in foods.
According to the DFTQC, the main purpose of the study is to protect diets from chemical contaminants by monitoring exposure levels to the general population over time. The report further says that improper use, more importantly use of banned pesticides, is one of the key problems affecting the health of Nepali consumers.
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