Foundation urges government to tighten oversight on goji berries

Taipei, Aug. 18 (CNA) The Consumer Protection Association in Taiwan (CPAT) on Monday urged the government to tighten oversight of goji berries after heavy metals were detected in all 30 samples collected from markets around the country.

The sampled dried goji berries all tested positive for heavy metals -- primarily cadmium and lead -- with even goji berries labeled as organic also showing contamination, CPAT said at a news conference.

In recent years, goji berries have become popular for their perceived health benefits. However, these berries can easily accumulate heavy metals during cultivation due to factors such as soil contamination, fertilization, irrigation water, and processing or drying methods. Nearly all of the fruit sold locally is imported, with the majority coming from China, according to CPAT.

At the event, the CPAT urged the government to establish specific standards for dried goji berries and to enhance random market testing and strengthen oversight of supply sources.

Concerning businesses that sell such products, it called on them to proactively provide information on their origin and testing for consumers' reference.

Under the Sanitation Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food, dried goji berries are not listed in the appendix setting heavy metal limits. Therefore, the fruit is currently not included in routine sampling and testing for heavy metals, the Kaohsiung Department of Health said.

The department said it will recommend that the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration amend its current testing regulations and hygiene standards, emphasizing that food contaminants must be managed at the production stage to minimize heavy metal risks and safeguard the safety of food products.