Maximum Residue Limits Research Articles

Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Fruits and Vegetables Grown in Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Introduction: The presence of pesticide residues in primary and derived agricultural products raises serious health problems for consumers. The aim of this study was to assess the level of pesticide residues in commonly consumed vegetables. Methods: Pesticide residues were extracted from market garden products (Solanum lycopersicum, Capsicum sp, Cucumis sativus and Lactuca sativa) by the QuEchERS method and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV) technique. Results: These analyzes made it possible to detect 32 pesticide residues. All market garden products contained pesticide residues, 12.82% of which exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs). The pesticide families found were triazines (34.34%), urea derivatives (31.25%), organophosphorus residues (9.37%), organochlorines (9.37%), triazinones (9.37%) and carbamates (6.25%). Among the market garden products, only lettuce was contaminated by residues from all families with concentrations of pesticide residues exceeding their limits of quantification at the level of 5 molecules: Chlorpropham (0.016 mg/kg), Linuron (0.02 mg/kg), Chlorfenvinphos (0.026 mg/kg) Parathion-ethyl (0.014) and Metolachlor (0.013 mg/kg) which is an organochlorine pesticide. Organochlorines are among the prohibited pesticides. Among agrochemicals used, some were not approved. Conclusion: The results indicate the presence of pesticide residues in commonly consumed vegetables and highlight the urgent need to develop comprehensive intervention measures to reduce the potential health risk to consumers. The need for regular monitoring of pesticide residues and raising farmers' awareness of better pesticide safety practices are actions to be taken for the health of consumers.

Evaluation of cumulative exposures to multiple pesticide residues in three characteristic fruits in the Northwest of Iran: a risk assessment using Monte Carlo Simulation

This study was conducted to monitor and evaluate the health risks of multiple organophosphorus pesticide residues in three characteristic fruits of Maragheh district, East Azerbaijan province. The Monte Carlo method was used to quantify the possible non-carcinogenic health risks associated with pesticide residues in adults and children. The residues of 17 pesticides in 36 samples were analysed using the QuEChERS extraction method coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Residues of 13 pesticides (76.47%) were detected in grape samples and 15 pesticides (88.23%) in apricot and plum samples. The maximum level found in grape samples was due to chlorpyrifos with 1.2 mg/kg, and in apricot and plum samples to diazinon with 1.6 and 1.3 mg/kg, respectively. All grape, apricot and plum samples contained at least ten pesticides with levels exceeding the Iranian and EU Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). The processing factor for washing treatment in grape, apricot and plum samples was less than 1, ranging from 0.53 to 0.69. Chlorpyrifos with values of 0.064 and 0.256 in the grape samples and diazinon with values of 0.0443 and 0.177 in the apricot samples and values of 0.0263 and 0.105 in the plum samples contain the highest hazard quotients (HQ) for adults and children, respectively. The cumulative risk assessment due to exposure to several pesticide residues suggests that there is no significant health risk for adults (HI < 1). However, consumption of unwashed grapes may cause adverse effects in children (HI = 1.48). However, for further research, a comprehensive longitudinal study is suggested to assess the long-term effects of exposure to pesticides especially for children.

Antibiotic Residues in Milk and Milk-Based Products Served in Kuwait Hospitals: Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health challenge affecting food safety and development. Residues of antibiotics in food from animal sources, particularly milk, contribute to the development and spread of AMR, alter intestinal microbiota, and potentially lead to allergies, serious health conditions, and environmental and technological problems within the dairy industry. Therefore, this study investigated the residue levels of veterinary drugs from β-lactam antibiotics and tetracyclines in milk and milk products and assessed human health risks. Two hundred milk and milk product samples (pasteurized milk, sterile milk, soft white cheese, and processed cheese, 50 each) were collected from different hospitals in the State of Kuwait and screened for antibiotic residues using a microbial inhibition assay (Delvotest SP-NT) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Delvotest SP-NT and HPLC analyses showed that 30, 28, 26, and 24% of the pasteurized milk, sterilized milk, white soft cheese, and processed cheese samples tested positive for antibiotic residues. Forty-eight milk and cheese samples were confirmed as positive by both methods, and six samples initially found to be negative by Delvotest SP-NT were confirmed as positive by HPLC. Multi-antibiotic residues were detected in five samples by using HPLC. The kappa coefficient (0.921; p &lt; 0.0001) revealed complete concordance between the HPLC and Delvotest SP-NT results. Ampicillin was the most abundant residue in the positive samples (31.48%), ranging from 2.44 to 3.89 μg/L, with an overall mean concentration of 3.492 ± 0.094 μg/L, followed by tetracycline and oxytetracycline (27.78% each), ranging from 54.13 to 220.3 μg/L and from 41.55 to 160.7 μg/L, with mean concentrations of 129.477 ± 14.22 and 91.86 ± 9.92 μg/L, respectively. The amoxicillin levels in the samples (12/54; 22.22%) ranged from 3.11 to 5.5 μg/L, with an overall mean concentration of 3.685 ± 0.186 μg/L. The maximum concentrations of ampicillin, amoxicillin, and tetracycline were detected in processed cheese with mean concentrations of 3.89 ± 0.28 µg/L, 3.95 ± 0.15 µg/L, and 170.3 ± 0.27 µg/L, respectively. Pasteurized milk contained the maximum concentrations of oxytetracycline, with a mean concentration of 120.45 ± 0.25 µg/L. The tetracycline residues exceeded the standard maximum residue limits (MRLs; 100 µg/L) in 6% of both pasteurized and sterilized milk samples, and in 4% of processed cheese. Additionally, the oxytetracycline levels in pasteurized milk (6%) and amoxicillin levels in processed cheese (2%) were higher than the permitted MRLs (100 µg/L and 4 µg/L, respectively). Furthermore, the antibiotic residues detected in 12.5% (25/200) of the samples were close to standard permissible MRL limits for ampicillin (5%), amoxicillin and oxytetracycline (3% each), and tetracycline (1.5%). Hazard quotients, which compare the standard acceptable daily intake (ADI) to the estimated daily exposure (EDI), indicated that the overall risk associated with antibiotic residues in these dairy products is low. The EDI was lower than the ADI for the tested antibiotics, indicating an elevated safety margin. While the overall hazard quotients are low, the potential for the development of antibiotic resistance due to long-term exposure to low levels of antibiotics should be considered. Hence, strict regulations and enforcement are necessary to prevent excessive residue levels and to promote responsible antibiotic use in dairy production. Regular monitoring of antibiotic residues in dairy products is essential for ensuring consumer safety.

Comparative Pharmacokinetics and Egg Residues of Amoxicillin, Single and in Combination with Bromhexine, in Laying Hens

The need for antibiotics in commercial laying hens is increasing owing to intensive farming systems. Amoxicillin trihydrate (AMX), an aminopenicillin β-lactam antibiotic, exerts broad bactericidal activity. However, its short half-life necessitates frequent administration to ensure efficacy, thus limiting its use. Herein, we investigated the effect of concurrent administration of bromhexine hydrochloride (BRM), a mucolytic agent, on AMX pharmacokinetics, performing a comparative pharmacokinetic analysis of AMX administration alone and in combination with BRM. AMX (50 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage once daily for three days alone or in combination with 10 mg/kg BRM. Plasma and egg samples were collected to evaluate pharmacokinetic profiles and egg residues. The area under the curve and maximum plasma concentration values were significantly higher in the AMX + BRM group than the AMX only group. However, there were no significant differences in AMX half-life in the elimination phase (T1/2), elimination rate constant (kel), or apparent clearance (CL/F) values. In the egg residue study, the withdrawal period for AMX was 5 days in both groups, with no significant difference when using the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 10 μg/kg. The concentration of BRM in the eggs remained at 100 μg/kg up to the fourth day following drug administration. Conclusion: These results confirmed that BRM co-administration increased systemic exposure to AMX, with a negligible residual impact of amoxicillin in eggs.

Optimization of Ferimzone and Tricyclazole Analysis in Rice Straw Using QuEChERS Method and Its Application in UAV-Sprayed Residue Study.

Rice straw is used as livestock feed and compost. Ferimzone and tricyclazole, common fungicides for rice blast control, can be found in high concentrations in rice straw after unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spraying, potentially affecting livestock and human health through pesticide residues. In this study, an optimized method for the analysis of the two fungicides in rice straw was developed using the improved QuEChERS method. After the optimization of water and solvent volume, extraction conditions including ethyl acetate (EtOAc), acetonitrile (MeCN), a mixed solvent, and MeCN containing 1% acetic acid were compared. Different salts, including unbuffered sodium chloride, citrate, and acetate buffer salts, were compared for partitioning. Among the preparation methods, the MeCN/EtOAc mixture with unbuffered salts showed the highest recovery rates (88.1-97.9%, RSD ≤ 5.1%). To address the severe matrix effect (%ME) of rice straw, which is characterized by low moisture content and cellulose-based complex matrices, samples were purified using 25 mg each of primary-secondary amine (PSA) and octadecylsilane (C18), without pesticide loss. The developed method was validated with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.005 mg/kg for target pesticides, and recovery rates at levels of 0.01, 0.1, and 2 mg/kg met the permissible range (82.3-98.9%, RSD ≤ 8.3%). The %ME ranged from -17.6% to -0.3%, indicating a negligible effect. This optimized method was subsequently applied to residue studies following multi-rotor spraying. Fungicides from all fields and treatment groups during harvest season did not exceed the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for livestock feed. This confirms that UAV spraying can be safely managed without causing excessive residues.

The effect of breed on ivermectin residues in the edible tissues of cattle and the estimated withdrawal period

This study analyzed the residue depletion kinetics of ivermectin (IVM) in Nelore and crossbred (Nelore x Angus) cattle aiming to compare the profiles between the breeds and evaluate the residue levels at the injection site. IVM 1%, at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg, was administered via the subcutaneous route, and tissue samples were collected on different days post administration for analysis by LC–MS/MS. The results revealed that the detection of the marker residue in conventional matrices such as the liver, perirenal fat, and trapezius muscle (injection site) had relatively high residue concentrations. The maximum residue limit (MRL) was exceeded at the injection site at 21- and 35-days post administration in crossbred and Nelore animals, respectively, with significant variations between animals. This study highlighted significant challenges in accurately determining the pharmacokinetic profile and withdrawal periods of IVM in cattle due to high variability in tissue residue data, particularly at injection sites. The comparison of IVM concentrations between cattle breeds was hindered by high standard errors, emphasizing the need for more rigorous sampling protocols. The results suggest that current guidelines may not adequately account for the erratic depletion kinetics of injectable formulations like IVM, especially at injection sites. Therefore, improving sampling techniques and revising guidelines are essential for accurate residue monitoring and withdrawal period determination.

Impact of decontamination and processing methods on insecticide residues in green and red chilli (Capsicum annum L.) by LC- MS/MS

The study aimed to evaluate various decontamination and processing methods for the removal of pesticide residues in chilli, focusing on emamectin benzoate, fipronil, spirotetramat, and tolfenpyrad. The LC-MS/MS instrument parameters were standardized and method was validated for identification and quantification of residues in both green and dry chilli. In green chilli, treatments such as soaking in 2 per cent NaCl solution showed promising results in reducing pesticide residues. The tested decontamination treatments are effective for handling emamectin benzoate and tolfenpyrad residues in green chilli. However, fipronil residues remained above Maximum Residual Limits even after decontamination treatments, indicating the need for careful application and monitoring. In red chilli, processing methods such as sun-drying and pan-frying led to increased residues due to concentration effects during drying. Despite efforts, some residues remained above regulatory limits, emphasizing the importance of adhering to pre-harvest intervals to minimize residues in processed chili products.

Multiresidue analysis of 200 pesticides in jasmine (Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton) flowers

A multiresidue analysis method was established for 200 pesticides in jasmine (Jasminum sambac(L.) Aiton) flowers based on QuEChERS procedure and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). For better recoveries and purification effects, extraction solvents, extractive salts and purification methods were optimized. The limits of quantification (LOQ) of test pesticides are in the range of 0.01 and 0.1 mg kg−1, most of which were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) prescribed by EU and China. Recoveries at 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 mg kg−1 were predominantly in the range of 70–120 % (n = 3) with corresponding RSDs lower than 20 %, which suggests satisfactory accuracy. The multiresidue analysis method was applied in monitoring pesticide residues in 8 jasmine flower samples. 50 % of those samples present with 1–2 pesticides residues. This study provides a sensitive and high-throughput method for detection of multi-pesticide residues in jasmine flowers.

Multi-residue analytical method development and dietary exposure risk assessment of 345 pesticides in mango by LC-Q-TOF/MS

Mango is attracting increasing global attention for its superior flavor and nutritional benefits. However, the use of pesticides has resulted in a threat to its quality, safety, and human health due to their inevitable residue. There is an urgent need for advanced technologies that can efficiently and sensitively analyze a wide range of pesticides. In this study, a high-throughput screening and quantification method for 345 pesticides in mango was established by applying a modified QuEChERS method combined with liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF/MS). A response surface methodology (RSM) optimized the critical parameters for extracting various pesticides in 1% acetic acid-acetonitrile (v/v) using MgSO4, PSA, C18, and GCB as the adsorbents. The proposed method was successfully validated and applied to the quantitative detection of pesticide residues in 73 mango samples from Hainan. The study found pesticide residues in 95.9% of mango samples, of which 3 samples had residue concentrations in excess of the Chinese maximum residue limit. A total of 24 pesticides were detected, with detection percentages ranging from 1.4% (Thiabendazole) to 41.1% (Pyraclostrobin). Considering the possible health risks related to pesticide residues, risk assessment of human exposure to pesticides via intake of mango was evaluated. The acute and chronic dietary exposure risks related to pesticide residues in mango were accepted. In conclusion, this study provides a powerful platform for monitoring multiple pesticides in mango. First, it can promote the rational use of pesticides, and second, it can help consumers to assess the risk of dietary exposure to pesticide residues.

Construction of calcium zirconate nanoparticles confined on graphitic carbon nitride: An electrochemical detection of diethofencarb in food samples

A well-known fungicide designated diethofencarb (DFC) is used on crops to eradicate fungal infections and increase agricultural production. However, the National Food Safety Standard has established an overall maximum residual limit of 1 mg/kg for DFC, and excessive usage of this chemical has detrimental effects on the environment in real-time. In this work, an improved electrochemical sensor based on hydrothermally synthesized CaZrO3 is incorporated into a g-C3N4 sheet and developed to quickly and accurately screen DFC, a well-known carbamate fungicide. The electrochemical sensor that was successfully designed demonstrated good conductivity, high ion diffusion parameters, a high electro-active surface area, and a quick electron transport ratio when used for DFC detection. The structure, crystalline accuracy, and purity of the as-prepared CaZrO3@g-C3N4 were examined using various analytical and microscopic techniques. Additionally, the cyclic voltammetry technique examined the electrochemical investigations of the CaZrO3@g-C3N4 modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). A robust synergistic interaction between the CaZrO3 and g-C3N4 makes large surface areas and improved DFC detection possible. The fabricated sensor exhibits a wide linear range of 0.01–230.04 μM, a low detection limit of 1.8 nM, and excellent stability according to the results of the DPV technique. Remarkably, our proposed sensor has proven to be feasible for real-time analysis and can distinguish DFC-spiked various food samples with a good recovery range.

Simultaneous Analysis of 504 Pesticide Multiresidues in Crops Using UHPLC-QTOF at MS1 and MS2 Levels.

A robust analytical method was developed for the simultaneous detection of 504 pesticide multiresidues in various crops using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF). The method integrates both MS1 and MS2 levels through sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH) analysis, allowing for accurate mass measurements and the construction of a spectral library to enhance pesticide residue identification. An evaluation of the method was carried out according to international standards, including the FAO guidelines and SANTE/11312/2021. Validation across five representative crops-potato, cabbage, mandarin, brown rice, and soybean-demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, with over 80% of the analytes detected at trace levels (≤2.5 μg/kg). Moreover, an impressive 96.8% to 98.8% of the compounds demonstrated LOQs of ≤10 μg/kg. Most compounds exhibited excellent linearity (r2 ≥ 0.980) and satisfactory recovery rates at spiking levels of 0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg. Among 42 crop samples analyzed, pesticides were detected in 1 cabbage, 3 mandarin, and 6 rice samples, with a mass accuracy within ±5 ppm and a Fit score ≥ 70.8, confirming the method's practical applicability and reliability. The detected residues ranged from 12.3 to 339.3 μg/kg, all below the established maximum residue limits (MRLs). This comprehensive approach offers an efficient, reliable, and scalable solution for pesticide multiresidue monitoring, supporting food safety programs and regulatory compliance.

Development of a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Flunixin in Cattle and Swine Following Dermal Exposure.

Flunixin meglumine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Banamine® Transdermal is a pour-on formulation of flunixin approved for pain control in beef and dairy cattle, but not for calves and some classes of dairy cattle or swine. Violative flunixin residues in edible tissues in cattle and swine have been reported and are usually attributed to non-compliant drug use or failure to observe an appropriate withdrawal time. This project aimed to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for flunixin in cattle and swine to predict withdrawal intervals (WDI) after exposures to different therapeutic regimens of Banamine® Transdermal. Due to the lack of comprehensive skin physiological data in cattle, the model was initially developed for swine and then adapted for cattle. Monte Carlo simulation was employed for population variability analysis. The model predicted WDIs were rounded to 1 and 2 days for liver and muscle in cattle, respectively, under FDA tolerance levels, while under EU maximum residue limits (MRLs), the WDIs were rounded to 1, 3, 2, and 2 days for liver, kidney, muscle, and fat, respectively, following a labeled single transdermal 3.3 mg/kg dose in cattle. The model was converted into a user-friendly interactive PBPK (iPBPK) interface. This study reports the first transdermal absorption model for drugs in cattle. This iPBPK model provides a scientifically based tool for the prediction of WDIs in cattle and swine administered with flunixin in an extra-label manner, especially by the transdermal route.

Evaluating the Human Risks of Consumption of Foods of Bovine Origin with Ivermectin Residues in Ecuador.

Ivermectin is a widely used antiparasitic in livestock, but its use can result in residues in bovine products and excretions. The objective of the present study was to determine the presence of ivermectin residues in cattle meat, liver, milk, faeces, and urine and assess consumer risk from chronic exposure through contaminated bovine products using a deterministic approach. To determine the presence of ivermectin residues, 124 samples were analysed by liquid chromatography. Residues were found in 68% of faeces samples and small percentages (3%) in liver, milk, and urine, with no residues detected in meat. The mean ivermectin residue in the liver (16.46 µg/kg) remained below the maximum residue limit (MRL); however, in milk (12.46 µg/kg), the residues exceeded the permitted MRL. The results obtained from chronic dietary exposure show that the consumption of ivermectin residues was low, and the risk was assessed as being rare to very rare. Additionally, this study reveals concerning levels of ivermectin residues in milk that may far exceed established safety limits. This situation emphasises the urgent need for stricter regulations and monitoring in milk production, particularly from small farms, to protect vulnerable populations. However, from a one health perspective, the presence of residues in faeces poses potential environmental hazards, warranting further research. Moreover, the detection of residues in milk, despite the ban on ivermectin use in dairy cattle, underscores the importance of compliance with food safety regulations and the need for continued vigilance in this area.

Metal contamination in mangrove tissues, seeds, and associated sediments from the Vattanam mangrove forest of Palk Bay, southeastern India: An ecological risk assessment

In the present work, the concentrations of toxic heavy metals in mangrove sediments, mangrove leaves, and seeds collected from five stations in the Vattanam mangrove of Palk Bay, southeastern India, as well as the effects of the monsoon season on toxic heavy metals concentrations were determined. The concentrations were 17.5 μg/g for zinc (Zn), 9.11 μg/g for copper (Cu), and 6.03 μg/g for lead (Pb) in sediments; 10.71 μg/g (Zn) and 8.94 μg/g (Cu) in mangrove leaves; and 26.24 μg/g (Zn) and 17.01 μg/g (Cu) in mangrove seeds. At all sampling stations, the Cd concentration was below the limit of detection. These mangroves seem to have adapted successfully to their environment given their selective intake of only essential metals (Cu and Zn) and the restricted movement of non-essential metals (Cd and Pb). The concentrations of metals were below the maximum residual limits regulated by national and international standard limits.

Fluorescence Entrenched Probe for Onsite Detection of Amoxicillin Residue in Bovine Milk.

A novel fluorescent probe (E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-((pyrene-1-ylmethylene) amino)propanoic acid (PyT) was developed for the 'turn-on' detection of amoxicillin(AM), residues. The PyT molecule was developed by a simple condensation reaction between a biologically important tyrosine amino acid and pyrene carboxaldehyde. The small fluorophore molecule has spectacular photoluminescence properties such as large stock shift, high photostability, selectivity and sensitivity toward the analytes. The PyT upon dispersion in the liquid phase becomes highly luminescent possessing the restricted intramolecular rotation (RIR) and excited stated intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) properties which are the major criteria for aggregation induced emission enhancement (AIEE) mechanism prevailing the aggregation caused quenching (ACQ). PyT molecule shows a binding constant of 3.285 × 104 L mol-1for amoxicillin (AM). The limit of detection(LOD) values are found to be 1.67µM. Consuming bovine milk with antibiotic residues exceeding the maximum residue limit (MRL) can lead to food toxicity and life threatening diseases in humans. The milk sample with AM antibiotic residue in presence of PyT probe shows a distinct blue colour which infers the selectivity and sensitivity of the probe towards the analyte. The fluorescence probe adheres with merits like on site and visual examination by naked eye without aid of any instruments.

Rapid identification of antibiotic residues in bovine kidney using coated blade spray-mass spectrometry.

The use of certain antibiotics in food-producing animals is allowed in Europe following Regulation (EU) 2017/625. However, use could result in antibiotic residues in foodstuffs of animal origin. Maximum residue limits (MRLs) are in place to protect consumers. For monitoring purposes, animal matrices are tested to verify their compliance with these MRLs. Initially, matrices of (slaughtered) food animals are screened, often using a microbiological assay. Faster screening tests for antibiotics would be an advantage for control laboratories. Therefore, the present study describes, for the first time, the use of coated blade spray (CBS) followed by direct mass spectrometry (MS) analysis for the screening of tetracyclines, sulfonamides, quinolones, and macrolides residues from the renal area of intact bovine kidneys. An optimized workflow using two different desorption/ionization solutions per blade allowed screening of target compounds within 1min per sample. The proof-of-principle of the CBS-MS method is validated according to (EU) 2021/808, presenting CCβ screening values of 0.1 × MRL for 43 analytes, 0.5 × MRL for 4 analytes, and 2.5µgkg-1 for the prohibited substance dapsone, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to seven official control samples of bovine kidneys. One of these samples was found to be positive using the CBS-MS method, which was confirmed as a true positive by LC-MSMS analysis. The developed method demonstrates that CBS devices can directly extract and analyze kidney samples for food safety testing.

Multi-class, multi-residue analysis of pesticide residues in fishery products using LC and GC-MS/MS

Pesticide residues in agricultural products and the environment have been studied extensively over the years. Through the excessive or illegal use of pesticides, residues enter the surrounding environment and are absorbed by animals. Livestock and fishery products are subject to pesticide residue regulation, which includes the establishment of maximum residue limits. However, currently, fishery products are regulated only for ethoxyquin, neglecting the potential for bioaccumulation. This study aims to develop a method for the multi-class, multi-residue analysis of pesticide residues in fishery products—flatfish, eel, shrimp, and Manila clam—based on the QuEChERS method. A total of 327 compounds, including 263 pesticides and their metabolites, were identified using liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The method can quantify 263 pesticide residues in flatfish, 265 in eel, 264 in shrimp, and 263 in Manila clam, respectively. Additionally, the method can be applied to quantify 244 pesticide residues in seaweed. The method proves effective and useful for monitoring both food safety and environmental contamination.

Simultaneous determination of macrolide and quinolone antibiotics in animal tissues for human consumption validated by Regulation (EU) 2021/808

In this work, an analytical method for the simultaneous detection and quantification of 11 macrolides (erythromycin A, gamithromycin, lincomycin, neospiramycin, pirlimycin, spiramycin, tildipirosin, tilmicosin, tulathromycin A and its metabolite CP-60300, and tylosin A) and 10 quinolones (ciprofloxacin, danofloxacin, difloxacin, enrofloxacin, flumequine, marbofloxacin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, oxolinic acid, and sarafloxacin) in muscle (bovine, ovine, porcine, equine, rabbit, poultry including laying hens, and fish) and kidney (bovine, ovine, porcine, equine) for human consumption was developed and validated according to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808. Sample preparation consisted of liquid extraction using a citrate–phosphate/EDTA buffer solution (McIlvaine buffer) followed by solid phase extraction for cleanup and UHPLC-MS/MS analysis. The developed method was comprehensively validated with regard to relative matrix effects (CVMF ≤ 20 %), linearity (R2 ≥ 0.98), accuracy (84–119 %), trueness (−16 to + 19 %), repeatability (2.1–20.0 %), reproducibility (3.0–25.0 %), selectivity, and robustness. The method limit of quantification values ranged from 2 to 40 µg kg−1, established as 0.1 × the lowest maximum residue limit (MRL) by species for the authorized antibiotics. Method applicability was demonstrated in six interlaboratory proficiency tests, and in the official control analyses of 1200 field samples of muscle and kidney.

Assessment of residues from common pesticides and associated risks in Pakistan.

Pesticide residues have become an escalating concern in Pakistan, raising significant risks to both public health and the environment. This review overviews the current status of pesticide contamination in the country, with a specific focus on residue levels in relation to Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and a comparative analysis with regional and global counterparts. Several studies reveal that 30% to 70% of tested food products, including fruits, vegetables, and animal-derived products, especially in Punjab and Sindh, exceed established MRLs. This level of contamination is considerably higher than in neighboring countries such as India, where MRL exceedance ranges from 20 to 30%, and Bangladesh, which reports lower levels due to stricter regulatory efforts. In comparison, developed countries, including those in the European Union and the United States, report less than 5% of food samples exceeding MRLs, often falling below 1% due to stringent safety standards. The high prevalence of pesticide residues in Pakistan poses severe health risks, including neurological disorders, reproductive problems, and cancer, particularly in vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women. Key factors contributing to these elevated pesticide levels include insufficient knowledge of safe pesticide use, the unregulated application of banned or expired products, improper safety protocols, and malfunctioning equipment. A prevailing reliance on pesticides as the sole pest control method further hinders the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. In conclusion, pesticide residue levels in Pakistan are above permissible MRLs compared to regional and global standards, underscoring the need for urgent improvements in pesticide regulation, enforcement, and the promotion of sustainable pest control methods like IPM to better protect human health and the environment.

Effect of integrated pest management practices on the occurrence of pesticide residue in okra cultivated by farmers in Kwara state.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach for minimizing the negative impacts of pests on crops while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides. This study was conducted in Kwara State Nigeria in 2023, to investigate the effects of implementation of IPM practices on the occurrence of pesticide residues in okra cultivated by the farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria, and identify the factors affecting the use of IPM practices for pest control in okra production. A sample of 245 okra farmers was selected across 4 agricultural zones of Kwara State using a multistage sampling technique. Additionally, okra samples were collected from the farmers of each community of the local government areas. The data collected from the farmers were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including frequency count, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC). The collected okra samples were taken to the laboratory for pesticide residue extraction and analysis was performed using gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometer (MS). The results showed that most okra producers in Kwara State were smallholder farmers who, despite practicing IPM, had limited knowledge of the technology. Some pesticide residues were detected in okra, out of which two were present in quantities above the maximum residue limit, while others were below the maximum residue limit. Therefore, this study recommends that the government should improve extension services in the State by providing adequate funds and training extension agents who can provide comprehensive training to farmers on the types and application of IPM as an eco-friendly technology for preventing pesticide residue in okra.