Strawberry sales hit by herbicide scare

Agricultural authorities in Beijing are investigating reports that excessive amounts of herbicide residue have been detected in strawberries grown in the capital's suburban areas, and farmers were hit by a slump in sales amid consumer fears.

China Central Television reported on Sunday that eight strawberry samples purchased from supermarkets, plantations and wholesale markets were found to have excessive amounts of acetochlor, a herbicide that can be carcinogenic when absorbed in large amounts.

The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Agriculture said on Monday that it will launch a campaign targeting the excessive use of chemicals in the cultivation of strawberries.