Gyeonggi Province Reports Pesticide Residue Levels Within Safe Limits in Commonly Consumed Agricultural Products

The Gyeonggi Provincial Health and Environment Research Institute recently announced that a comprehensive pesticide residue test on commonly consumed agricultural products found all items to be within established safety standards. The testing, conducted between January 26th and February 13th, 2026, focused on products coinciding with the first full moon of the year.

Testing Scope and Methodology

A total of 113 cases were inspected, encompassing agricultural products sourced from online retailers, local direct food stores, and large supermarkets within Gyeonggi Province. The products were categorized as follows:

• Five-Grain Ingredients: 40 cases of millet, sorghum, millet, glutinous rice, soybeans, and red beans.
• Vegetable Ingredients: 52 cases including eggplant, fern, bellflower, radish, chives, and pumpkin.
• Nuts and Seeds: 21 cases of peanuts, chestnuts, ginkgo nuts, pine nuts, and walnuts.

Pesticide Analysis Results

The analysis examined 475 different types of pesticides. While traces of pesticides such as acetamiprid, azoxystrobin, and difenoconazole were detected in some samples, all levels remained within the legally permissible residue limits. This indicates that the products pose no immediate health risk to consumers.

Commitment to Food Safety

Do Young-sook, head of the agricultural and marine product inspection department at the Gyeonggi Provincial Health and Environment Research Institute, emphasized the institute’s ongoing commitment to food safety. “Through the Agricultural Product Safety Protection Project, we will continue to conduct regular inspections of frequently consumed agricultural products, both periodically and thematically, and transparently disclose the results to ensure a safe food environment for residents,” she stated.

Broader Context of Pesticide Monitoring

Monitoring pesticide residues in food and the environment is crucial for assessing potential impacts on both ecosystems and human health. Research highlights the necessity of these ongoing assessments. Studies are continually conducted to evaluate the risks associated with specific pesticide classes, such as neonicotinoids, within the Asia-Pacific region. Risk assessments are vital for informed decision-making regarding pesticide use, and regulation.

Ongoing Research and Monitoring

The Gyeonggi Provincial Health and Environment Research Institute’s work aligns with broader efforts to monitor pesticide residues in agricultural products. Recent studies have focused on identifying and quantifying pesticide residues in various food sources, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of potential exposure risks. Food pesticide residue monitoring and health risk assessment remain critical areas of research.