China launches special investigation into toxic pesticide use in Xiamen restaurants

China's food safety authorities have initiated a special supervision process after a pest control company in Xiamen, Fujian province, allegedly used the toxic pesticide dichlorvos while providing disinfection and pest control services to restaurants.

The office of the food safety commission under the State Council announced it will collaborate with the State Administration for Market Regulation and the National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention to form a joint working group to guide the investigation on-site.

Authorities have stated that illegal actions will be punished severely in accordance with the law, and broader risk assessments will be conducted to prevent similar issues and ensure public food safety.

This move comes in response to recent media reports that a pest control service company in Xiamen's Huli district had been using dichlorvos at multiple chain restaurant outlets. Reports alleged that employees disguised the pesticide in mineral water bottles to evade inspection and used rodenticides without proper product information.

On Monday, a joint investigation team in Huli district revealed that local authorities had previously received public complaints and established a special team to investigate the company. The team collected samples of the company's pest control products for testing and evidence, seizing its remaining stock of chemicals. The company's business premises in Huli district have been closed, according to the statement.

Huli authorities also announced a comprehensive inspection and rectification campaign targeting pest control companies across the district, emphasizing that any illegal or irregular conduct will be thoroughly investigated and not tolerated.