Friday, 22 October 2010

High Chemical Use in Food Presents Danger: Expert

Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer

Washington, DC Thursday, 21 October 2010

via CAAI
 
Photo: AP
Cambodian market vendor Vo Leak displays commonly sold pesticides at her stall in Siem Reap.

“Some banned agricultural chemicals are still in use among Cambodian farmers.”

Cambodia continues to use a high amount of chemicals in its crops and food supply, a leading chemist said Monday.

The chemical exposure can be dangerous, so both consumers and producers must pay more attention to the problem, Seang Huy, executive director of the Cambodian Chemical Association said, as a guest on “Hello VOA.”

“Some banned agricultural chemicals are still in use among Cambodian farmers,” she said. “We also see some chemicals used as food additives.”

Seang Huy said some banned chemicals like some insecticides are still in use in Cambodia, even though the country has banned more than 100 of them.

However, she acknowledged that the use of natural insecticides was harder for farmers, who are under pressure to meet market demands for low-cost goods.

More education of farmers on the proper use of chemicals was needed, she said.

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