Maximum Residue Limits Of Pesticides Research Articles

Model for prediction of pesticide residues in soybean oil using partial least squares regression with molecular descriptors

We developed a partial least squares regression (PLSR) model based on competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) to predict the processing factors of 54 pesticides during soybean oil processing. Characteristic variables were selected to improve the performance of the model. Four calculators were used to compute the molecular descriptors used in the model, and the model based on values computed with ChemoPy produced the best results: Rc ​= ​0.94, RMSEc ​= ​0.67, Rp ​= ​0.91, and RMSEp ​= ​0.54 for hot-pressed oil and Rc ​= ​0.93, RMSEc ​= ​0.73, Rp ​= ​0.93, and RMSEp ​= ​0.59 for cold-pressed oil. A rapid and quantitative model of processing factors was established to predict the behaviour and distribution of pesticide residues during food processing. The model was further validated using data from field-grown soybeans; it demonstrated a high correlation coefficient between predicted and measured residue concentrations (Rp ​> ​0.93, RMSEp ​< ​0.72) and successfully predicted the distribution and behaviour of pesticide residues. Our model provides a reference for assessing safety risk and determining the maximum residue limits for pesticides in processed products.

Food risk associated with vegetable consumption, exposure to antimicrobial-resistant strains and pesticide residues

This preliminary study aimed to detect biological and chemical contaminants in vegetables sold in Sicily for human consumption, assess the spread of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) strains in these foods, and characterize their antimicrobial-resistance genes. A total of 29 fresh and ready-to-eat samples were analyzed. Microbiological analyses were performed for the detection of Salmonella spp. and the enumeration of Enterococci, Enterobacteriaceae, and Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed by the Kirby-Bauer method, according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Pesticides were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. No samples were contaminated by Salmonella spp., E. coli was detected in 1 sample of fresh lettuce at a low bacterial count (2 log cfu/g). 17.24% of vegetables were contaminated by Enterococci and 65.5% by Enterobacteriaceae (bacterial counts between 1.56 log cfu/g and 5.93 log cfu/g and between 1.6 log cfu/g and 5.48 log cfu/g respectively). From 86.2% of vegetables, 53 AMR strains were isolated, and 10/53 isolates were multidrug resistant. Molecular analysis showed that the blaTEM gene was detected in 12/38 β-lactam-resistant/intermediate-resistant isolates. Genes conferring tetracycline resistance (tetA, tetB, tetC, tetD, tetW) were detected in 7/10 isolates. The qnrS gene was detected in 1/5 quinolone-resistant isolates, the sulI gene was detected in 1/4 sulfonamide-resistant/intermediate-resistant isolates and the sulIII gene was never detected. Pesticides were detected in 27.3% of samples, all of which were leafy vegetables. Despite the satisfactory hygienic status of samples, the high percentage of AMR bacteria detected stresses the need for an effective monitoring of these foods as well as adequate strategies to counteract the spread of AMR bacteria along the agricultural chain. Also, the chemical contamination of vegetables should not be underestimated, especially considering that leafy vegetables are commonly consumed raw and that no official guidelines about maximum residue limits of pesticides in ready-to-eat vegetables are available.

Multiresidue Pesticide Analysis in Tea Using GC–MS/MS to Determine 12 Pesticide Residues (GB 2763-2021)

Pesticides are widely used on tea plants, and pesticide residues are of significant concern to consumers. The National Food Safety Standard Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides in Food (GB 2763-2021) was recently amended. However, detection methods for pesticides newly added to the list of residues in beverages have not yet been established. For that reason, this study developed a solid-phase extraction (SPE) and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) method for determining the residues of 12 pesticides, including four newly added, in black and green tea. Sample preparation processes (sample extraction, SPE clean-up, elution solvent, and elution volume) were optimized to monitor these residues reliably. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was used for GC-MS/MS electron impact (EI) mode determination. Finally, satisfactory recoveries (70.7-113.0% for green tea and 72.0-99.1% for black tea) were achieved at three concentrations (10 μg/kg, 20 μg/kg, and 100 μg/kg). The LOQs were 0.04-8.69 μg/kg, and the LODs were 0.01-3.14 μg/kg. This study provides a reliable and sensitive workflow for determining 12 pesticide residues in tea, filling a gap in the newly revised National Standards.

Determination of selected herbicides in sugarcane-derived foods by graphene-oxide based disposable pipette extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Sugarcane is widely cultivated in Brazil. Although there are Maximum Residue Limits of pesticides determined for this plant, there is no legislation covering alimentary products from sugarcane. In this study, Disposable Pipette Tip Extraction (DPX) technique was evaluated as a sample preparation technique for simultaneous determination of eleven herbicides followed by LC-MS/MS analysis in three sugarcane-derived food matrices: juice, candy, and syrup. First, graphene oxide anchored to silica functionalized with octadecyl silane and endcapped was synthesized, which was evaluated as a sorbent in DPX. Then, after evaluating the parameters involved in DPX extraction, the method was validated following the ICH guide. As a result, the method showed acceptable linearity (r ≥ 0.99), limits of quantification (1.0 – 5.0 ng mL−1 for juice and 5.0 – 25.0 ng g − 1 for candy and syrup, varying according to the pesticide), precision, and accuracy within the limits of the literature, and recoveries ranging from 48 – 69% (juice), 34 – 89% (candy), and 28 – 76% (syrup). Finally, the developed method was successfully applied in actual samples of the three studied matrices.

Pesticides Identification and Sustainable Viticulture Practices to Reduce Their Use: An Overview

The use of pesticides is a necessary practice in the modern era. Therefore, it is impossible to ignore the pesticide market, which has developed into one of the most lucrative in the world. Nowadays, humans are subjected to many potential risks, and significant amounts of toxic compounds enter their bodies through food, drink, and the air itself. Identification and quantification of these hazardous compounds is crucial for the sustainable development of an increasing world population which poses high climatic and political constraints on agricultural production systems. The maximum residue limits for pesticides have been regulated by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and European Union to protect human health. In this review, we have summarized and explained the analytical methods for pesticide extraction and determination. Also, sustainable viticulture practices like organic vineyards, tillage, biopesticides, nanobiopesticides, and precision viticulture are briefly discussed. These new techniques allow wine growers to be more profitable and efficient, while contributing to the reduction of pests and increasing the quality of wines.

Model prediction of herbicide residues in soybean oil: Relationship between physicochemical properties and processing factors

The distribution and processing factors (PFs) of herbicides in cold-/hot-pressed soybean samples (n = 3) were studied on the laboratory scale. The hot-pressing process was found to have a significant effect on herbicide degradation in soybean samples. Specifically, for highly water-soluble pesticides with pKow > 2 in soybean oil, the PF values were generally > 1. Nonlinear curve fitting revealed that the PFs of herbicides in soybean oil were positively correlated with their octanol–water partition coefficients, but negatively correlated with their water solubility and melting points. A principal component analysis confirmed the dominant parameters among the herbicide PFs during soybean oil production. Using the physicochemical parameters of pesticides, the developed multiple linear regression model gave a fitting accuracy of ≥0.80 for predicting the theoretical PF values of pesticides in soybean oil products (0.39 < RMSE < 0.58). Thus, this model may be applicable for safety risk assessments and establishing maximum residue limits for pesticides in processed products.

Screening and confirmation of 244 pesticide residues in chilli by gas chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

建立了辣椒中244种农药残留的QuEChERS前处理结合气相色谱-四极杆/飞行时间质谱(GC-Q-TOF/MS)快速筛查确证方法。鲜辣椒和干辣椒样品分别采用经-20 ℃冷冻的乙腈和1%(v/v)乙酸化乙腈提取,经盐析分层、分散固相萃取净化和浓缩后加入内标并复溶,HP-5MS UI色谱柱(30 m×0.25 mm×0.25 μm)分离,程序升温不分流进样,GC-Q-TOF/MS全扫描模式采集,内标法定量。比较了分析保护剂(AP)和基质匹配校准法对基质效应的补偿效果,最终选择采用基质匹配校准法来补偿基质效应并进行样品中农药残留的校准定量。设置定性筛查中的保留时间最大偏差为±0.25 min,精确质量偏差阈值为±20×10 -6。对鲜辣椒中244种农药残留和干辣椒中222种农药残留进行了定量方法验证,实验结果表明,采用建立的数据库和分析方法可以对辣椒进行农药残留的高通量筛查和定量分析。在空白辣椒样品中添加不同水平的目标化合物,以信噪比S/N≥10对应的添加水平作为定量限(LOQ)。鲜辣椒中最大残留限量(MRL)≤0.05 mg/kg的44种农药在鲜辣椒中LOQ≤0.010 mg/kg,线性范围在0.01~1.00 mg/L,在1倍和2.5倍LOQ添加水平下,回收率在60%~120%的农药种类占比分别为88.64%和100%;鲜辣椒中暂无MRL规定或MRL>0.05 mg/kg的200种农药在鲜辣椒中LOQ≤0.025 mg/kg,线性范围在0.05~1.00 mg/L,在1倍、2倍和10倍LOQ添加水平下,回收率在60%~120%的农药种类占比分别为49.50%、87.00%和89.50%; 244种农药的线性相关系数(r 2)均大于0.99。222种农药在干辣椒中LOQ≤0.15 mg/kg,线性范围在0.04~1.00 mg/L, r 2≥0.99的比例为95.46%,在1倍、2倍和10倍LOQ添加水平下,回收率在60%~120%占比分别为72.52%、73.42%和81.53%。应用建立的筛查确证方法对市售的12份鲜辣椒样品和14份干辣椒样品进行农药残留筛查分析,从9份鲜辣椒样品和3份干辣椒样品中筛查出8种农药化合物,经人工鉴定均为阳性,定量结果显示,8种农药化合物均未超过其在GB 2763-2019《食品安全国家标准食品中农药最大残留限量》所规定的MRL。方法快速、简单、高效、可靠,适用于鲜辣椒及干辣椒中多种农药残留的筛查分析。

An international probabilistic risk assessment of acute dietary exposure to pesticide residues in relation to codex maximum residue limits for pesticides in food

The Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) is the scientific body assessing the risk of exposure to pesticide residues in food and proposing maximum residue levels (MRLs) to the Codex Alimentarius Commission. When agreed, these levels become Codex maximum residue limits (CXLs), to be potentially adopted by countries and used as references for trade disputes. In the context of a review of models and methodologies used by JMPR to assess acute dietary exposure to pesticide residues, WHO performed a probabilistic dietary exposure assessment, which takes into consideration actual measured pesticide residues and agricultural practices, to serve as a “real world”–based estimate of the actual acute dietary exposure to 38 pesticides in eight countries. The results show the absence of appreciable risk for all countries and populations considered, even with the conservative scenario based on 100% usage of pesticides in all foods. Moreover, our results indicate that, with only a few exceptions, most of the CXLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission would provide a high level of protection even if risk managers do not request a specific level of protection from risk assessors.

Multiresidue Analysis of Pesticides in Moringa Pods by GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS.

Moringa pods are known for their nutritional and health benefits. The cultivation of this crop receives frequent pesticide applications. In the absence of risk assessment data, maximum residue limits of pesticides in this crop are considered at the default level (0.01 mg/kg). However, there exists scarcely any validated method for pesticide residue analysis in this matrix. This study was undertaken to develop and validate a multiresidue method for the simultaneous analysis of multi-class pesticides in moringa pods by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The homogenized sample (10 g) was extracted with acetonitrile (10 mL). The extract was cleaned by dispersive solid-phase extraction using a combination of 50 mg primary secondary amine, 5 mg graphitized carbon black, and 25 mg C18 sorbents, and was directly analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Another portion of the extract was reconstituted in ethyl acetate before GC-MS/MS analysis. The method was validated as per the SANTE/12682/2019 guidelines using GC-MS/MS (180 pesticides) and LC-MS/MS instruments (203 pesticides). The method provided a satisfactory analysis of the targeted pesticides with good calibration linearity (r2>0.99), high precision (RSD < 20%), and accuracy (recoveries, 70 to 120%). The reconstitution of the acetonitrile extract in ethyl acetate significantly reduced the matrix effects on GC-MS/MS analysis. The use of matrix-matched standards could correct all recoveries. The method offered a large-scale analysis of multi-class pesticides with high accuracy, and precision at 10 ng/g, and higher levels. The method performance complied with the regulatory requirements, and thus, can be implemented in routine testing purposes. The study reports a validated method for large-scale multiresidue analysis of pesticides in moringa matrix for the first time. The method provided a high throughput analysis of multi-class pesticides with satisfactory selectivity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision.

Distribution and Fate of Persistent Organochlorine Pesticides on the Soil-Forage-Milk Chain in Three Transylvanian Farms

The present work follows the distribution and fate of persistent organochlorine pesticides on the soil-forage-milk chain in three Transylvanian farms. In order to achieve this goal, a new, rapid and affordable analytical method for the quantifications of organochlorine pesticides in milk samples was developed. The tracing of the persistent organochlorine pesticides in soil and milk was performed for each farm separately. On Farm 1, aldrin was identified to be the pesticide traced from soil to milk, while on Farm 2 and Farm 3, delta-benzene hexachloride (δ-BHC) was the dominant pesticide. All of the determined pesticide concentrations for the milk samples were found to be under the maximum residue limits for pesticides (MRLs) established for milk by the European Union (EU).

RAM study on general standard of maximum residue limits for pollution-free traditional Chinese medicine based on Chinese Pharmacopoeia formula

The excessive pesticide residues and heavy metals in traditional Chinese medicine seriously endanger human health and the sustainable development of Chinese medicine industry. In order to improve the quality of traditional Chinese medicine and establish a general standard for maximum residue limits(MRL) of pesticides in pollution-free traditional Chinese medicine and decoction pieces, and to ensure the safety of clinical medication from its origin, MRLs were calculated based on the formula(MRL=A×W/100M) from Chinese Pharmacopeia, comparing it with the current Chinese and international standards as well as literature review, the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method(RAM) was applied to determine the categories and MRLs of pesticides in pollution-free traditional Chinese medicine and decoction pieces. Two questionnaires were drafted for expert panel and appropriateness analysis was carried out with the 9-point Likert scale to determine the general standard for MRLs of pollution-free traditional Chinese medicine and decoction pieces. The results showed that a total of nine experts from different fields scored the necessity of standard-setting and 206 pesticide residue limits respectively. The appropriateness scores of 206 pesticides were greater than 7, and appropriateness rate was 100%, which signifies that the expert panel has reached consensus. In summary, based on the RAM, the general standard for maximum residue limits of pesticides in pollution-free Chinese medicines and decoction pieces has reached an expert consensus. Comparing with the MRLs of medicinal plants and plant-sourced food from CAC, Europe Union, the United States, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, 206 MRLs from this general standard share 88.8% in common, 4.4% of which is higher and 6.8% lower than those international standards. This has provided a basis for standardizing the use of pesticides in pollution-free traditional Chinese medicine.

Evaluation of proposed integrated diseases management strategies in blackberry cultivation according to its sustainability

Abstract The production of blackberry in Colombia is a source of income and rural employment in 18 departments; however, the plant is affected by diseases such as gray mold, anthracnose and powdery mildew that can cause losses of up to 70%. The control of these diseases is mainly carried out with chemical fungicides such as benomyl, carbendazim and mancozeb applied every 7 or 15 days. Nevertheless, being a continuous fructification plant of weekly harvest, the proximity between the application of the pesticides, the harvest, and its consumption represents a health risk due to the residually of these molecules, condition that affects its innocuousness and sustainability. Accordingly, this work aimed to develop an integrated management strategy for these diseases. Two strategies were proposed integrating agricultural labors with applications of Tricotec®-Kendal® or Tricotec®-EcoSwing®, and three fungicides applied according to the incidence of each disease, compared with the diseases producer management. In 77 evaluation days the effectiveness of the strategies was assessed according diseases incidence reduction, on fruit production, environmental impact, using the environmental impact quotient in the field (EIQf), and the reduction of fruit pesticides residues. According to the results obtained, the strategy Tricotec®-Kendal® with applications of a fungicide based on azoxystrobin + difeconazole showed the lowest diseases incidence, averaging 3% for gray mold, 11% for anthracnose, and 21% for powdery mildew and the highest amount of fruit harvested averaging 5,668 g. The strategy showed the lowest EIQf (5.3) compared with a value of 81.50 obtained with the traditional producer management, as well as the least amount of pesticides residues, corresponding to azoxystrobin (0.10 mg/kg) and difeconazole (0.046 mg/kg); these, however, remained within the maximum residue limits for pesticides stated by the European Union for blackberry.

PENGARUH STANDAR KEAMANAN PANGAN TERHADAP EKSPOR PRODUK BIOFARMAKA INDONESIA

There have been growing concerns about the effects of food safety standards on agricultural trade throughout the world. One of the food safety standards applied in international trade is the adoption of maximum residue limits of pesticides. This research uses panel gravity model to analyze the effect of maximum residual limit (MRL) of pesticides imposed by importing countries on export of Indonesia’s medicinal plant products. The results show that stringent food safety standards imposed by importing countries have a negative and statistically significant effect on Indonesia’s export of medicinal plant products. The results also show that volume of Indonesia’s medicinal plant products exports are influenced by real GDP of exporter and importer, population, production, economic distance, and ad valorem tariff. Keywords: food safety standard, Gravity model, Panel data, Medicinal plant products.

PENGARUH STANDAR KEAMANAN PANGAN TERHADAP EKSPOR PRODUK BIOFARMAKA INDONESIA

There have been growing concerns about the effects of food safety standards on agricultural trade throughout the world. One of the food safety standards applied in international trade is the adoption of maximum residue limits of pesticides. This research uses panel gravity model to analyze the effect of maximum residual limit (MRL) of pesticides imposed by importing countries on export of Indonesia’s medicinal plant products. The results show that stringent food safety standards imposed by importing countries have a negative and statistically significant effect on Indonesia’s export of medicinal plant products. The results also show that volume of Indonesia’s medicinal plant products exports are influenced by real GDP of exporter and importer, population, production, economic distance, and ad valorem tariff. Keywords: food safety standard, Gravity model, Panel data, Medicinal plant products.

Retreat from Harmonization: Trade Uncertainties Arising from Divergent Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides

Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for pesticides are used in the regulation of imports of agri-food products. Pesticide use is essentially universal in conventional agricultural production globally. The Codex establishes MRLs for various pesticides. In the 1990s there was de facto harmonization of MRLs based on Codex or, absent an international standard, importer acceptance of the exporter’s MRL. Since that time many countries have been establishing nationally based MRLs, leading to asynchronous regulations that act as trade barriers. This trend is particularly disturbing given the important role international trade in agri-food products is expected to play in meeting the food security challenges associated with feeding a global population predicted to reach 9 billion by 2050. This article explores the reasons for the increasing divergence in MRLs and its trade impacts, outlines the food security concerns arising from this increasing non-tariff barrier and examines multilateral, regional and national efforts to foster MRL harmonization and counter the trend to nationally based MRLs.

Validation of Multiresidue Method for Analysis of 31 Pesticides in Rice Using Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Five modified QuEChERS were tested for the multiresidue analysis of 31 pesticides in rice. Rice was spiked with mixture solution of pesticides at 10 ng/g. Method selection was based on the LODs (sensitivity) and recovery tests (accuracy) of the pesticides. Analysis was done in GC-tandem MS in multiple reaction monitoring mode with a total run time of approximately 37 min. The selected method was validated after spiking rice at 20 and 100 ng/g in rice. The performance characteristics of the method impacted for all selected pesticides were acceptable according to the guidelines for method validation (recovery of 70-120% with an RSD of <20% and r2 value of ≥0.99). For rice, matrix effect on the signals of the compounds was corrected by using matrix-matched calibration standards. The LOQs met the requirements of the maximum residue limits for pesticides in rice. The developed method allowed for the simultaneous determination and confirmation of a large number of different groups of pesticides and was fast, simple, inexpensive, and useful for the routine analysis of rice.

Validation of Multiresidue Method for Analysis of 31 Pesticides in Rice Using Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Five modified QuEChERS were tested for the multiresidue analysis of 31 pesticides in rice. Rice was spiked with mixturesolution of pesticides at 10 ng/g. Method selection was based on the LODs (sensitivity) and recovery tests (accuracy) of the pesticides. Analysis was done in GC-tandem MS in multiple reaction monitoring mode with a total run time of approximately 37 min. The selected method was validated after spiking rice at 20 and 100 ng/g in rice. The performance characteristics of the method impacted for all selected pesticides were acceptable according to the guidelines for method validation (recovery of 70-120% with an RSD of <20% and r2 value of ≥0.99). For rice, matrix effect on the signals of the compounds was corrected by using matrix-matched calibration standards. The LOQs met the requirements of the maximum residue limits for pesticides in rice. The developed method allowed for the simultaneous determination and confirmation of a large number of different groups of pesticides and was fast, simple, inexpensive, and useful for the routine analysis of rice.

EU Trade Regulation for Baby Food: Protecting Health or Trade?

AbstractThis paper explores the effect of European Union (EU) food safety regulations on EU imports of baby food. Pesticides and contaminants contribute to various health problems. Children are more vulnerable to the dangers of pesticides and contaminants because as soon as they start eating solids, they consume a limited number of food items, most of which are fruits and vegetables. To protect the health of the most vulnerable part of the population, the EU regulations stipulate that no more than 0.01 mg/kg of any single pesticide residue is permitted in baby food. In this respect, the EU differs from most of its trading partners, the majority of which do not differentiate food safety regulations according to the age of the consumer. The purpose of this paper is to compare the EU regulations on maximum residue limits of pesticides to those of its major competitors through a severity index. This index is then introduced into a gravity equation to assess the impact on EU imports of baby food. We find that the EU regulation had a negative impact on the volume of trade but a positive one on the probability of setting up new trade relationships.

Food safety regulation and its implication on Chinese vegetable exports

Growing concerns with the application of highly toxic pesticides and the growing world demands for food direct our attentions to the food safety as well as to the global arrangement of food production. In China, expansion of its vegetable exports brought the attention of policy planners to the international food safety regulations. This paper reported the findings from the investigation about a relationship between trades of food and food safety, by focusing on the relationship between Chinese vegetable exports and the maximum residue limits of pesticides (MRLs) regulation set by the importing countries and exporting country. The revealed trade’s behavior showed that impacts of MRLs should be seen through two types of information, one was the extent of coverage of regulation measured by the number of pesticides placed under the control, and the other was the regulated residue levels. Probably because the achieved vegetable production growth was supported by the extensive use of many kinds of pesticides, the expanding of the number of regulated pesticides in importing markets, was more likely to act as a barrier to China’s vegetable exports compared to the effect of stringency increase of MRLs level. Importing countries’ GDP reflecting the market potential showed significantly positive effects on Chinese vegetable exports, while the effects of vegetable production and tariff rate on exports were weakened after years of improvement of productivity and worldwide policy environment. Our results verified the export promoting effect of stringent regulations in exporting country on its trade. These findings strongly suggested that Chinese authorities need to move fast to catch-up to the growing concerns of international importers both from relevant policy planning and implementing, to capture economic growth in the medium-long term.

Global Harmonization of Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides.

International trade plays an important role in national economics. The Codex Alimentarius Commission develops harmonized international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice to protect the health of consumers and to ensure fair practices in the food trade. The Codex maximum residue limits (MRLs) elaborated by the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues are based on the recommendations of the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticides (JMPR). The basic principles applied currently by the JMPR for the evaluation of experimental data and related information are described together with some of the areas in which further developments are needed.