Health ministry’s warning on contaminated ginger

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has warned the public to be extra vigilant when purchasing local ginger at the markets.

The warning came after reports that almost 200 pounds of ginger was contaminated with the pesticide methomyl, also known as lannate, and was being sold at a market.

The ministry said in a media statement that the ginger was allegedly stolen from a farmer, and the pieces which were used as planting material were about two to three inches in length.

It said investigations are ongoing into how the ginger was contaminated and sold to the public.

The ministry has therefore advised the public to only buy whole ginger roots and to not pieces less than four inches in length.

It also advised that all ginger pieces less than four inches in length and bought during May 7 – 10, should be thrown away.

Lannate is toxic and can cause nausea, dizziness and confusion. At very high exposures such as accidents or major spills, it can cause extreme respiratory paralysis and death.

The ministry is asking members of the public to contact the nearest health facility in the event there is contact with the product.

It added the Chemistry Food and Drugs Division of the Ministry of Health should also be notified at 623-5242 or email cfdd@health.gov.