Bangkok, Aug. 3 – Department of Medical Sciences. Developed a test kit for paraquat residues in fresh fruits and vegetables. An easy-to-use method similar to ATK, convenient, quick results, ready to be opened to those interested in receiving technology transfer. to produce and sell to the public
Dr. Suphakit Sirilak, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, said that paraquat is a herbicide or herbicide commonly used by farmers. Because it is cheap and effective. with fast burning effect The weeds can dry up and die within 1-2 hours. Therefore, if farmers who use this substance without protection or consume food residues toxicity may occur Based on the toxicological analysis data The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed paraquat as a highly toxic substance. if obtained directly from consumption causing a burning sensation Bronchial lesions and digestive system can enter the body through touch Inhalation can affect the respiratory system severely. causing fibrosis in the lungs food contamination It also causes various diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and most importantly, it’s a carcinogen.
It also remains in the environment, soil, natural water sources. and agricultural products According to the report on the import of agricultural pesticides by the Office of Agricultural Economics in 2019, Thailand imported paraquat. For more than 9,900 tons of agricultural use, although this substance has been banned since 2020, there may be residues of such substances. High in fresh fruits and vegetables and will affect public health from contaminants as well
Dr. Supakit said that paraquat is classified as a type 4 hazardous substance according to the announcement of the Ministry of Industry. can be dangerous to the public And according to the Ministry of Public Health Announcement No. 419 (2020) on Food Containing Pesticide Residues, it states that food with safety standards must not detect paraquat. The Department of Medical Sciences has developed products and innovations in medical science and public health. to protect public health A test kit for paraquat residues in fresh fruits and vegetables was developed. which is a simple check with precision and quick preliminary inspection
by this test set Can be used with fresh fruits and vegetables that are sold in Thailand. is a collaboration between Institute of Medical Biosciences and Bureau of Quality and Food Safety Department of Medical Sciences It is a test kit that has the qualifications as a preliminary test that Thai people are familiar with using, similar to the ATK test kit (Antigen Test Kit) by using immunochromatographic techniques. (Immunochromatography) or IC, which relies on the binding principle between antibodies. and competitive antigen (Competitive immunoassay) is a convenient method. effective Sensitive to check results in 15-30 minutes without any special tools. The minimum threshold that this test kit can detect is 0.005 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), which is required by law.
“This kit has been tested in the field. and registered a petty patent from the Department of Intellectual Property Currently, the Department of Medical Sciences is preparing to open for those interested in both the public and private sectors to receive this technology transfer in order to produce and sell to the public. as well as agencies responsible for consumer protection have easier access to this test suite for use in preliminary safety inspections of fruits and vegetables, ”said Dr. Supakit.-Thai News Agency
Source: Thai News Agency