China establishes database for pesticide residue

GUIYANG - Chinese experts have established a database for pesticide residue on fruits and vegetables, scientists said at the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2018 in Guizhou's provincial capital of Guiyang.

Pang Guofang, lead scientist at the Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, said from 2012 to 2017, researchers carried out a general survey of pesticide residue.

Researchers performed pesticide checks on 40,000 samples of 150 types of fruits and vegetables in 1,470 different locations. The aim is to present a picture of pesticide residue across the country and aid pesticide control.

China has established electronic IDs for 1,200 types of pesticides and developed screening methods to test for their presence and quantity, said Pang.

Developers also created software to trace the origin of pesticides in fresh food and help inspectors step up supervision and ensure food safety.