Xiamen Pest Control Firm Used Toxic Pesticide on Dozens of Chain Restaurants
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
A pest control company in Xiamen, Fujian Province, has been exposed for long-term misuse of highly toxic pesticides at dozens of chain restaurants. Xiamen Lvlin Sen Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. allegedly used dichlorvos, a medium-to-high toxicity organophosphorus insecticide, directly on dishes, utensils, and near food ingredients to cut costs. Testing by reporters confirmed dichlorvos residue at multiple restaurant locations, and seafood deaths were reported at over ten establishments. Police and health authorities have intervened.
Key Points
- The pest control firm Xiamen Lvlin Sen Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. allegedly served major chains including Green Tea Restaurant, Half-Step Hotpot, Phoenix Garden Hong Kong Tea House, and Uobachi Sushi .
- Dichlorvos costs just a few yuan per bottle, while compliant low-toxicity pesticides like Baygon cost about 25 yuan per bottle .
- Reporter-collected samples from Green Tea Restaurant and Uobachi Sushi tested positive for dichlorvos residue using rapid detection methods .
- One employee candidly stated, "I would never eat at restaurants we serviced — not for anything!" .
- The Huli District government confirmed on Monday that the company has been closed pending investigation .
Why It Matters
- The incident exposes serious gaps in the oversight of outsourced pest control services in the food service industry, where cost-driven suppliers may routinely endanger public health .
- While the affected restaurants are in mainland China, Hong Kong diners who travel to Xiamen or nearby cities may encounter similar risks if these chains expand into the SAR .
- This scandal adds to growing concerns about food safety standards in the Pearl River Delta region, prompting calls for stricter regulation of third-party service providers .
- The incident exposes serious gaps in the oversight of outsourced pest control services in the food service industry, where cost-driven suppliers may routinely endanger public health .
- While the affected restaurants are in mainland China, Hong Kong diners who travel to Xiamen or nearby cities may encounter similar risks if these chains expand into the SAR .
- This scandal adds to growing concerns about food safety standards in the Pearl River Delta region, prompting calls for stricter regulation of third-party service providers .