Japan orders testing of every Chinese okra import after pesticide violations
Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has ordered that every import of Chinese okra and simply processed okra products be tested before release, because pesticide residue was found. The ministry called it a first for Chinese okra and cited three violations so far, all involving mepiquat chloride, a plant growth regulator, at levels above the 0.01 ppm standard. Mepiquat chloride is a farm chemical used to control plant growth, and the order means each shipment must be checked, not just a sample.
What does it mean?
If you buy frozen okra from China, Japan now makes importers test every shipment for a farm chemical called mepiquat chloride. The ban on sale is not stated here, but the goods must pass testing first. The chemical is used to control how plants grow, and authorities say the amounts found would not cause immediate health harm.
Who is affected?
Importers of Chinese okra and processed okra, and consumers who buy these foods in Japan.
What changes?
Before this order, imports of Chinese okra were not subject to a mandatory test of every lot; now each import declaration must be tested before release.