Press Release

Leaflet gives health advice on preparing vegetables

November 16, 1998

The Department of Health (DH) has published a new leaflet to advise the public on measures to prevent agricultural pesticide poisoning due to the consumption of contaminated vegetables.

A spokesman for the DH today said: "Four versions of the colour leaflet 'Poisonous Vegetables' - namely Chinese, English, Tagalog and Japanese - are being distributed."

With the aid of colour photographs and attractive graphic illustrations, the leaflet explains in simple wording the following precautionary measures when preparing vegetables:-

• remove the outer leaves;
  
  
• wash in clean water several times;
  
  
• immerse vegetables in water for one hour to allow residual pesticide to leach out OR blanch them in boiling water and pour away the water used for blanching as it may contain dissolved pesticides; and
  
• cook thoroughly before consumption.

Persons who have eaten vegetables contaminated by agricultural pesticide may develop in a few hours signs and symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness and numbness.

In severe cases, a person may suffer breathing difficulties, blurred vision and convulsion.

Anyone who suspects himself / herself to be suffering from agricultural pesticide poisoning should immediately consult his / her doctor or go direct for treatment in hospitals.

Copies of the leaflet and other publicity materials on food hygiene are available for collection at DH's Health Education Unit (2787 1229) on the 8th Floor, UC Fa Yuen Street Complex, 123A Fa Yuen Street, Mongkok, Kowloon.

Members of the public can call DH's 24-hour Telephone Hotline (2380 2580) to obtain the pre-recorded food hygiene information.