Inspectors of the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) detected a non-compliant lot of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) during the regular monitoring of foreign substances in foodstuffs. Laboratory analysis confirmed presence of eleven pesticide substances exceeding permitted limits.

The foodstuff concerned is ground cumin – Heera Cumin Powder Premium Quality, packaged à: 100 g, lot designation: 1R1010323, best before date by: DEC/2025, importer: DIMI Trade s.r.o., Pavlouskova 4443/4, 708 00 Ostrava country of origin: Great Britain.

The analysis carried out in the CAFIA accredited laboratory showed presence of residues of the following pesticides in the foodstuff: Acetamiprid in the amount of 1.1 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg, limit: 0.05 mg/kg), carbendazim and benomyl in the amount of 0.66 mg/kg (limit: 0.1 mg/kg), chlorpyrifos in the amount of 0.16 mg/kg (limit: 0.01 mg/kg), clothianidin in the amount of 0.47 mg/kg (limit: 0,05 mg/kg), fipronil in the amount of 0.016 mg/kg (limit: 0.005 mg/kg), flonicamide in the amount of 0.30 mg/kg (limit: 0.1 mg/kg), hexaconazole in the amount of 0.12 mg/kg (limit: 0.05 mg/kg), imidacloprid in the amount of 0.13 mg/kg (limit: 0.05 mg/kg), kresoxim-methyl at 0.21 mg/kg (limit: 0.05 mg/kg), thiamethoxam at 0.56 mg/kg (limit: 0.05 mg/kg), tricyclazole at 0.74 mg/kg (limit: 0.05 mg/kg).

The inspectors took the sample at the premises of Albert Česká republika, s.r.o., and after the analysis ordered the retailer to immediately withdraw the non-compliant lot from the market.

CAFIA will initiate an administrative procedure with the inspected person to impose a fine.

The presence of a total of 11 pesticides in one food sample is an extraordinary finding in the context of the annual monitoring of foreign substances performed by CAFIA.

Article by: Pavel Kopřiva – CAFIA Spokesperson
12^th January 2024

Source: Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority | CAFIA found cumin with 11 pesticides (gov.cz)