A Chinese vegetable vendor is accused of secretly using toxic pesticides, prompting villagers to refuse locally grown produce.

(Beijing, Jan 19) A program aired by China’s state broadcaster reported that some consumers have accused certain merchants and agriculture-related companies in several regions of illegally selling and using highly toxic pesticides that have been banned or tightly restricted by national regulations. The investigation found that in areas including Hubei, Henan, and Yunnan, such chemicals may still be entering supply chains for crops such as vegetables and sweet potatoes, raising food-safety concerns. In one of the reported areas, even local villagers said they avoid eating locally grown vegetables because they know how the crops are produced.

The program said it had received multiple complaints alleging that some sellers continue to distribute pesticide products containing carbofuran. Carbofuran is classified as highly toxic and is used to control insects, mites, and nematodes. Authorities have long prohibited its use on vegetables, fruits, tea, and medicinal plants, and regulations indicated that from June 2024, registrations for carbofuran formulations were revoked and production was banned.

Despite those restrictions, the program reported receiving a tip in November 2025 that carbofuran-based products were still being applied to vegetable farming in parts of Yuekou Town, Tianmen City, Hubei. Footage from the investigation showed opened pesticide packaging scattered in fields, labeled “1% carbofuran,” along with a strong, pungent odor. The packaging also described the product as a restricted-use pesticide and highlighted contact, systemic, and stomach toxicity, as well as relatively long residual effects when applied to soil.

Villagers interviewed said they refuse to eat local vegetables because they are aware of pesticide practices. A farm manager overseeing some of the plots reportedly admitted using carbofuran-containing products and claimed that banned products could still be obtained through certain channels.

The investigation also alleged that an agricultural supplies shop in Wuhan, Hubei, was still displaying a 1% carbofuran product labeled “for rice,” and that staff—aware it should not be used on vegetables—tried to conceal it to avoid inspections.

Similar issues were reported in Henan. In Zhengzhou, a pest-control service provider for tuber crops was accused of privately recommending insecticide mixes containing chlorpyrifos, suggesting that “whether it can be used” depends on testing and detection. Promotional materials reportedly listed a chlorpyrifos-containing product while indicating sugarcane as the target crop.

As the inquiry expanded, the program said the range of problematic pesticides and their use widened further. In Jianshui County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan, multiple sweet-potato growers reportedly acknowledged using the highly toxic, banned pesticide phorate to boost yields. Farmers said purchasing channels have become increasingly hidden, including repackaging to evade oversight, while some growers continue using banned chemicals due to cost pressures despite knowing the risks.