Toxic Pesticides Found in Spinach at Kalimati Market, Raising Food Safety Concerns

Spinach (raayo ko saag) sold at Kalimati vegetable market had dangerous levels of toxic pesticide residue, posing serious risks to food safety. The lab results showed that Dolakha mustard greens had 80.9 percent organophosphate pesticide contamination.

The Central Agriculture Laboratory conducted tests  on 17 different fruit and vegetable types which were obtained from 17 different market stalls. Among them, the mustard greens sample had pesticide levels far above the safe limit. According to officials, pesticide levels below 35 percent are safe to eat, 35 to 45 percent require waiting before consumption, and anything over 45 percent is considered unsafe.

In Nepal, carbamates and organophosphates are often used insecticides. Although regular screenings are done at the Kalimati market, this recent result has caused concern among consumers. No action has yet been taken against the vendors or suppliers, but consumer rights groups are demanding stricter monitoring and enforcement to protect public health.