Social media has been stirred by reports of dangerous chemical residues found on Shine Muscat grapes in Thai markets.
As we know, Shine Muscat grapes have recently gained popularity due to their large size and sweet taste.
The first report of Shine Muscat grapes with hazardous pesticide content was issued by Thailand’s food authorities.
Pesticide Content Exceeds Safe Limits
According to The Nation, the Thai food authorities sampled 24 grapes from 15 different locations in Bangkok, with nine of them originating from China.
Lab tests revealed residues of 14 harmful chemicals at concentrations above the safety limit of 0.01 mg/kg.
In total, there were 50 chemical residues in the Shine Muscat grapes, 22 of which are not currently regulated under Thai food law, such as tetraconazole and cyflumetofen.
Public Should Exercise Caution
The discovery of chemical substances above safety limits in Thailand serves as a warning for the public in Indonesia as well.
It’s possible that Shine Muscat grapes with dangerous chemical levels are also available in certain places in Indonesia.
The public must be cautious when consuming vegetables or fruits from markets and stores.
Especially with imported fruits and vegetables, chemicals might be used to prolong their shelf life.
Fruits and Vegetables Are Not Always Healthy
The finding of chemical substances in Shine Muscat grapes serves as a reminder that fruits and vegetables are not always healthy.
It’s not due to their natural contents but to the chemicals used to make them pest-resistant and longer-lasting. The use of chemicals is not entirely prohibited, but when levels are too high, it can pose health risks.
Therefore, people should be more selective when choosing fruits and vegetables to consume.
It’s better to eat organic produce or grow your own at home. Reducing the consumption of imported fruits and vegetables can also help minimize the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.