VietNamNet Bridge – The Plant Protection Agency has confirmed that pesticide residues in imported Chinese grapes are five times higher than Vietnamese safety threashold.

Chinese grapes, imported via the border gates in Lao Cai province, are widely sold in the Mekong Delta, in the name of American grapes.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hong, director of the Plant Protection Agency, said that the data came out after a month-long test on 104 samples of fruits and vegetables that are imported from China and other countries on sale at local markets.

The tests found that pesticide residues in samples of three kinds of Chinese fruits and vegetables are much higher than Vietnam’s standards. There were two samples of Chinese grapes with difenoconazole residues being 3-5 times higher than safety standards.

Grapes are imported from China through Lao Cai border gates and transported to the wholesale market of Thu Duc in HCM City before going to the Mekong Delta.

Chinese grapes are sold under direct sunlight all day but still show no sign of decay. The local authorities suspect they contain chemical preservatives.

The test result for residues on grapes sold roadside in Hau Giang province is expected to be made public this week.

Chinese grapes are sold at VND20,000-40,000 ($1-2) a kilogram under the misleading label of "American grapes." Actually, the original price as showed on the invoices of local suppliers is VND6,000 ($0.3) a kilogram.

In fact, Chinese grapes are easily recognized by the naked eyes as they have pale skin covered in a thin layer of white powder. They also have a sour taste and many seeds inside.

Meanwhile, American grapes, which are commonly priced at VND90,000-100,000 ($4.5-5) a kilo, have darker skin color and taste much sweeter. They have 1-2 seeds inside only.

There are around 40 Chinese grape shops along National Highway 1A from Chau Thanh district of Hau Giang province to Cai Rang district of Can Tho city.

VNE