Exported beans 'pesticide free'

Tests conducted on samples of frozen green beans exported to Japan showed no evidence of pesticide residue, Chinese authorities said here yesterday.

Japanese media had earlier reported that a woman fell ill after eating the beans.

The tests were carried out on Wednesday, according to Mu Xin, vice-mayor of Laiyang, Shandong province.

Yantai Beihai Foodstuff Co Ltd, based in Shandong, is the supplier of the beans. The company is a joint venture between Taiwan and Japanese interests.

"No abnormal signs were found in the beans' planting and processing," Mu said at a news briefing.

Japanese health authorities reportedly said they had detected 6,900 parts per million of organophosphate pesticide dichlorvos in the beans, or 34,500 times the maximum level the government allows for imports.

"The company has never used such a pesticide," Mu Mingde, general manager of Yantai Beihai Foodstuff, said.

"The company's pesticides are in complete accord with Japanese requirements," he said.

Mu said the beans had passed pesticide residue tests by Chinese quality and quarantine authorities, and Japanese importers.

Yantai Beihai Foodstuff has stopped exports to Japan. About 85 percent of its products are exported to that country.

"We have full confidence in our products. We hope to resume exports to Japan as soon as possible," Mu said.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said yesterday officials from the Japanese embassy in Beijing have been invited to visit the Yantai factory.

Japanese government departments, police and the media had said the likelihood of the beans being contaminated during the production process was remote, he said.

The incident should therefore not be regarded as a food safety issue, but more likely one of poisoning, he said.

The Chinese are willing to keep communicating and cooperating with the Japanese to find out the truth, Qin said.