KUALA LUMPUR: Experts have raised concerns over pesticide residues in mandarin oranges, warning that excessive levels could pose significant health risks.
Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Land Management Department head, Associate Professor Dr. Christopher Teh Boon Sung, explained that consuming mandarin oranges contaminated with high pesticide levels can lead to both short-term and long-term health effects.
“In the short term, symptoms may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, and skin or throat inflammation. Some pesticides, such as organophosphates—particularly chlorpyrifos—can even affect the nervous system, leading to muscle spasms or breathing difficulties,” he said.
Long-term exposure to these chemicals may result in severe health complications, including damage to internal organs like the liver and kidneys.
Despite these risks, Dr. Teh reassured the public that mandarin oranges remain generally safe for consumption. He advised consumers to take precautionary measures to minimize pesticide exposure.
“One of the best ways to reduce risk is to buy fruit from trusted sources, especially those with Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) or organic certification,” he recommended.
Additional safety measures include:
✔ Washing fruit thoroughly under running water and scrubbing with a soft brush to remove surface residues.
✔ Soaking fruit in water or a salt/vinegar solution for 10 to 15 minutes, which can reduce pesticide residues by 40 to 90 per cent.
✔ Peeling fruits with thick skins, such as oranges, to further lower exposure.
However, Dr. Teh cautioned that these methods are ineffective against systemic pesticides, such as imidacloprid and dimethoate, which are absorbed into the fruit’s tissues.
Dr. Teh emphasized the need for stricter regulatory measures to ensure the safety of imported food, including mandarin oranges.
“Authorities should increase the frequency of laboratory tests on imported fruit using advanced technology, like mass spectrometry, to detect pesticide residues more accurately,” he suggested.
Additionally, he recommended:
🔹 Stronger enforcement against non-compliant importers, including hefty fines or import restrictions.
🔹 Collaboration with exporting countries to ensure food safety standards are met.
🔹 A clearer food labeling system to provide transparency on farming practices and pesticide use.
Earlier, the Health Ministry analyzed 243 mandarin orange samples during the festive season. Their findings revealed that nine samples (3.7%) exceeded the maximum pesticide residue limits set under the Food Regulations of the Food Act 1983.
All non-compliant samples were promptly disposed of to protect consumers.
With growing concerns over food safety, experts urge consumers to stay vigilant and adopt proper washing and handling practices when consuming fresh produce.
Source: New Straits Times