Starting today, the import and sale of all types of seaweed will be banned in the country.
Food Safety and Regulatory Authority under the agriculture ministry found toxic level of arsenic and cadmium content above the maximum residue limits permitted in food.
Arsenic and cadmium, two heavy metals, are said to be found in the environment, where there is heavy use of pesticides and chemicals.
The metals are also found in the areas, where the mining activities are carried out.
The sale of locally produced seaweeds will also be banned if they are found to contain arsenic and cadmium.
BAFRA said the move is to ensure the safety of consumers.
“We had to ban the seaweed products because it contain high level of heavy metals which are harmful to human beings,” said BAFRA’s Sr. Food Safety officer, Kubir N. Bhattarai.
The laboratory test for six samples of seaweed was conducted in Thailand and India in September this year by the Food Safety and Regulatory Authority.
Most of the packaged seaweeds sold in the market are imported from Bangkok.
