Ministry defends fruit safety in Beijing

China's Ministry of Health says fruit sold in supermarkets in the capital city has been tested and found to meet national standards. The ministry was responding to a Greenpeace report in July on pesticide residues on fruit sold in Beijing.

The report on fruit and vegetable safety said 17 pesticides had been detected in melons, apples, peaches, nectarines and cherries bought in four supermarket chains, including Wal-Mart, Carrefour, Lotus and Vanguard in Beijing.

However, a notice issued Wednesday by the ministry on its official website said all 17 pesticides found were normal and permitted. It also said the amounts of residues were within national standards limits. No banned or highly-toxic pesticides were detected in the tested fruit.