Edible blossoms tainted with pesticides discovered in two separate studies
Thailand, known for its vibrant and diverse flora, has recently faced a concerning issue: the contamination of edible flowers with hazardous pesticides. According to two separate medical studies presented at the 33rd Medical Academic Meeting held in July 2025, more than 59% of edible flowers in Thailand have been found to be contaminated with harmful pesticides [1][2][3].
The contaminated samples included various types of flowers such as jasmine, rose, vegetable hummingbird, wild ramose herb, and cowslip creeper. The findings have sparked discussions about potential regulatory or enforcement gaps in the country.
Currently, pesticide regulation in Thailand falls under the Department of Agriculture and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. These bodies are responsible for enforcing laws on pesticide registration, permitted substances, application limits, and maximum residue limits (MRLs) for food products. However, the new evidence of contamination in edible flowers suggests that they may be an emerging concern.
Despite the significant problem with pesticide residues in edible flowers on the market, no current comprehensive guidelines specific to edible flower pesticide use in Thailand are explicitly detailed in the search results. Further consultation of official Thai agricultural and food safety authorities’ publications or updates would be required to specify current exact guidelines or restrictions in place.
The first study was conducted by Ratiyakorn Srikote of the Food Quality and Safety Office, under the Department of Medical Sciences, in collaboration with officials from the department's offices in Chiang Rai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, and Chonburi. A total of 192 edible flower samples were collected from gardens and markets across 13 health zones nationwide.
As Thailand continues to grapple with this issue, it is crucial to address the regulatory gaps or enforcement issues to ensure the safety of edible flowers and maintain consumer trust. Further research and collaboration between agricultural and health authorities are necessary to develop and implement effective measures to control pesticide use in edible flower production.
[1] Srikote, R., et al. (2025). Prevalence of pesticide residues in edible flowers in Thailand. Presented at the 33rd Medical Academic Meeting, Impact Forum, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi, July 11-13.
[2] Tongdee, P., et al. (2025). Pesticide residues in edible flowers: A threat to public health in Thailand. Presented at the 33rd Medical Academic Meeting, Impact Forum, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi, July 11-13.
[3] Anonymous (2025). Edible flowers in Thailand found contaminated with hazardous pesticides. The Bangkok Post, July 15. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2104914/edible-flowers-in-thailand-found-contaminated-with-hazardous-pesticides
- The contamination of edible flowers with hazardous pesticides in Thailand highlights the need for stricter regulation in the food-and-drink industry, especially in the health-and-wellness sector that promotes a balance of nutrition and lifestyle.
- The recent findings of pesticide residues in edible flowers suggest that current pesticide regulations in Thailand, under the Departments of Agriculture and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, may not be sufficient to ensure food safety, particularly for health-and-wellness products such as food-and-drink items that contain edible flowers.
- As the government continues to address theissue of edible flower contamination with hazardous pesticides, it is crucial for health authorities to collaborate with agricultural bodies to develop and implement effective health and safety guidelines for the food-and-drink industry, particularly with regards to nutrition and lifestyle, and maintain consumer trust in the health-and-wellness sector.
