Pesticide Residues In Food Research Articles

Pesticide residues in food and drinking water from the consumerʼs perspective: The relevance of maximum residue levels and product-specific differences

One disadvantage of pesticide use in agriculture are the residues that remain in food and drinking water. In addition to analyzing consumer intolerance to pesticide residues for various food groups (fruit/vegetables, cereals/cereal products, and potatoes) according to the degree of product processing, the present study investigates consumer knowledge and attitudes regarding the EU's regulations on maximum residue levels (comparatively) for both food and drinking water. A survey of 1,195 German consumers was conducted by means of an online questionnaire. Different statistical analysis methods were used for the data analysis. The results show that EU regulations on maximum residue levels were known to 62.7% of respondents regarding food, and to 60.9% of the respondents regarding drinking water. Both pesticide residues in general and those exceeding the maximum residue levels were considered rather problematic. There was an ambivalent attitude towards the maximum residue levels. The attitudinal differences between food and drinking water were small to marginal. The analyses of pesticide residue intolerance with respect to degree of food processing showed that the highest intolerance was found with unprocessed/minimally processed products, followed by food products with higher processing degrees. Overall, these findings underline the consumer-sided general importance of the residue issue and argue for more sustainable agricultural systems characterized by pesticide use reduction or avoidance.

Multiresidue pesticide analysis in green chilli using GC–MS/MS using modified QuEChERS method with highly efficient Fe3O4@CFR@GO nanocomposite

• Fe 3 O 4 @CFR@GO was tested for the elimination of pigments in pesticide analysis. • Fe 3 O 4 @CFR@GO showed an excellent clean-up efficiency. • Satisfactory purification and recovery effects were achieved in chilli matrices. The presence of pesticide residues in food and vegetables is a growing concern for consumers. In order to monitor these residues reliably, a selective and sensitive, multi-residue system has been developed and validated in green chilli by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). Fe 3 O 4 @CFR@GO (Fe 3 O 4 @Catechol Formaldehyde Resin@Graphene Oxide) magnetic nanocomposite is used as reversed dispersive solid phase extraction (r-DSPE) materials. Fe 3 O 4 @CFR@GO magnetic nanocomposite is synthesized, characterised by XRD, FTIR and SEM. Comparative investigations have shown that Fe 3 O 4 @CFR@GO magnetic nanocomposite not only has high pigment removal efficiency, but also has more clean-up than typical graphitized carbon black (GCB). The processing of two multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transformations for each analyte is done by GC–MS/MS in electron impact (EI) mode. Precision and accuracy were tested by recovery studies. The technique proved to be reliable and sensitive in green chilli samples for the routine testing of 35 pesticides.

Trends of pesticide residues in foods imported to the United Kingdom from 2000 to 2020

A total of 33,911 samples with determined pesticide residues were collated and analysed in the UK monitoring programme to determine trends in pesticide residue levels in imported foods during the period of 2000–2020. 17,027 of those samples (50.2%) contained detectable residues while 1,126 (3.3%) exceeded maximum residue levels (MRLs). An increased trend and a significant shift before and after 2010 in imported foods containing both detectable residues and exceeding MRLs were found. The main factors responsible for these changes were due to constant amendments in regulations and legal frameworks. With adoption of Regulation EC396/2005, there have been major changes that have affected the operations of the UK food monitoring programme including sampling methods, analysis methods, new MRLs, types of foods, and the accreditation system. The proportion of imported foods with residues and the amounts of residues in imported foods varied from country to country. Foods imported from non-European countries had more non-compliant rates than foods imported from EU. Levels of pesticide residues also varied between processed foods and unprocessed raw agricultural products and between plant-based and animal foods. Fruits and vegetables and cereals had higher occurrences of quantified residues as well as higher MRLs violation rates compared to animal products.

The 2020 European Union report on pesticide residues in food.

Under European Union legislation (Article 32, Regulation (EC) No 396/2005), the EFSA provides an annual report which examines pesticide residue levels in foods on the European market. This report is based on data from the official national control activities carried out by EU Member States, Iceland and Norway and includes a subset of data from the EU‐coordinated control programme, which uses a randomised sampling strategy. For 2020, 94.9% of the overall 88,141 samples analysed fell below the maximum residue level (MRL), 5.1% exceeded this level, of which 3.6% were non‐compliant, i.e. samples exceeding the MRL after taking the measurement uncertainty into account. For the subset of 12,077 samples analysed as part of the EU‐coordinated multiannual control programme, 1.7% exceeded the MRL and 0.9% were non‐compliant. To assess acute and chronic risk to consumer health, dietary exposure to pesticide residues was estimated and compared with health‐based guidance values. Dietary exposure to pesticides for which health‐based guidance values were available is unlikely to pose a risk to EU consumer health. In the rare cases where dietary exposure for a specific pesticide/product combination was calculated to exceed the health‐based guidance value, and for those pesticides for which no health‐based guidance value could be established, the competent authorities took appropriate and proportionate corrective measures to address potential risks to consumers. Recommendations are proposed to increase the effectiveness of European control systems, thereby continuing to ensure a high level of consumer protection throughout the EU.

National summary reports on pesticide residue analysis performed in 2020

In accordance with Article 31 of Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005, European Union (EU) Member States provide to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) the results of their official controls on pesticide residues in food. In this framework, the EU Member States, Iceland and Norway provided further information in the form of explanatory text outlining main findings of their control activities during the reference year. This Technical report is the compilation of those contributions of the reporting countries.

A liquid colorimetric chemosensor for ultrasensitive detection of glyphosate residues in vegetables using a metal oxide with intrinsic peroxidase catalytic activity

ABSTRACT The control of pesticide residues in food is of increasing importance nowadays due to the over-use and misapplication of herbicides in agricultural production. However, the current colorimetric method for rapid detection of glyphosate still faces many challenges like the low sensitivity and stability. Herein, a simple and ultrasensitive liquid colorimetric chemosensor for glyphosate detection was successfully constructed. Glyphosate pesticide can interact with metallic oxidelike porous Co3O4 nanodisc, and inhibit its inherent peroxidase-mimicking activity, making the colour of the solution change from blue to light blue or even colourless. The colour variation of the colorimetric chemosensor enables us to easily distinguish in less than 20 min even by the naked eye whether glyphosate exceeds the allowable level. The limit of detection (LOD) of the chemosensor for glyphosate was calculated as low as 2.37 μg·L−1, and the chemosensor displays excellent selectivity against other competitive pesticides and metal ions. Further studies have also validated the applicability of the colorimetric chemosensor in actual samples like tomato, cucumber and cabbage, indicating that the proposed strategy may have promising application prospects for detecting glyphosate residues in agricultural products.

Consumers’ Benefit—Risk Perception on Pesticides and Food Safety—A Survey in Greece

Pesticides are widely used to protect agricultural products from pests and diseases. Although a strict regulatory framework exists in the EU, concerns about pesticide residues in food are retained among consumers. This study represents the first large sample (N = 1846) attempt to identify the main predictors influencing Greek consumers’ attitude concerning the benefits—risks ratio of pesticide use. After a principal components analysis and a bivariate logistic regression were performed, it was found that Greek consumers express high concerns from pesticide residues in food regarding their loved ones and their own health. At the same time, however, they recognize to a significant extent beneficial contributions of the use of pesticides to food security and the national economy, as well. Several significant predictors of consumer’s attitude towards benefit—risks perception of pesticide use was identified, concerning personal values, pesticide user status, gender, confidence in controlling and certification procedures, and received information. Our results suggest that efforts for risk communication are needed to address food safety issues targeting the general public.

Determination of multi-class pesticides residues of cow and human milk samples from Iran using UHPLC-MS/MS and GC-ECD: A probabilistic health risk assessment

Raw, pasteurized, powdered cow milk and human milk samples from Tehran, Iran were investigated for the residual of fifty pesticides with the aid of gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detector (GC-ECD) and mass detector for confirmation; and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (UHPLC-MS/MS). No pesticide residue was determined in more than 91% of examined samples. However, the dimethoate residue was detected in 3 raw milk samples in levels higher than EU recommended MRL. While in 3 human milk samples, organochlorine pesticides residue, p,p′-DDT, and p,p′-DDD was recognized below MRLs, only in 1 human sample residue of p,p′-DDE was more than CODEX recommended MRL. HI in adults and children were 0.72 and 3.55, respectively. However, the health risk assessment based on HI demonstrated that adult consumers are not at considerable risk. The HI, higher than 1 in children, confirms the risks raised due to ingestion of organochlorine (OCP) and organophosphorus (OPP) pesticides via milk consumption. In addition, no carcinogenic risk to milk consumers was calculated. Therefore, implementation of good farming practices on farms, improving the knowledge and consciousness of pesticide users, use other safe methods for pest control such as biotechnology-based, and use a rational program for application of pesticides, continuous monitoring of pesticides in crops, and strict government regulations on pesticide residues in food are recommended.

A ratiometric fluorescent sensing system for the selective and ultrasensitive detection of pesticide residues via the synergetic effects of copper nanoclusters and carbon quantum dots

Agricultural products, such as foodstuffs and herbal medicines, may be contaminated by pesticides. Therefore, developing sensitive methods for pesticide detection are urgently needed for the assurance of food safety. In this study, a ratiometric fluorescent sensing system based on blue-emitted nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) and red-emitted copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) complex was fabricated for pesticide detection. The selective detection of thiram and paraquat, two typical widely used pesticides, can be easily realized by changing the solvent environment. The detection limit can be reached as low as 7.49 nM and 3.03 nM, respectively. A good linear correlation was found over the concentration range from 10 to 500 nM for thiram and 5 to 100 nM for paraquat. More interestingly, fast and visual detection of thiram and paraquat can be achieved via smartphone-based colorimetric analysis, which has provided an effective implementation for on-site monitoring of the levels of pesticide residues in food.

Exposure assessment of selected pesticide residues using occurrence data in foods and serum samples in Pakistan

Pesticides have emerged as a global threat to human health, especially in developing countries. In this study, we examined nine major types of pesticide residues in the food commodities (8 groups) and serum samples (n = 80) of people living in the region of Southern-Punjab, Pakistan. Pesticide residues quantification was performed using gas chromatograph coupled with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The estimated daily intakes of the selected pesticide residues through consumption of food were also calculated. The concentration of analyzed pesticide residues in food was found below the EU maximum permissible limits except for α-HCH, and β-HCH. The highest risk of cancer was found to be associated with the consumption of HCHs contaminated cereals than other products. The incidence rate of pesticide residues in the serum samples of studied subjects was 96.25%. Pearson correlation test showed no significant correlation between thyroid hormone levels of the studied population group and the analyzed pesticide residues in the food commodities (p>0.05). Findings of this study indicate that people of Southern-Punjab, Pakistan are exposed to pesticides via food chain although non-significant health implications were recorded, the levels of a few pesticides need to be curtailed.

Influence of Fermented Liquid Manure (Jeevamrutha) on Growth Parameters and Yield Attributes of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crop

Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used intensively in modern agriculture giving rise to insects which have become resistant to pesticides. It has also resulted in the revival of pests and declining number of beneficial organisms such as honey bees, pollinators, parasites, and predators and accumulation of residues of pesticides in food and fodder. To improve soil microflora, a farm-made bio-culture called ‘Jeevamrutha’ is added to the soil instead of fertilizers. Jeevamrutha is made from a small amount of indigenous cow dung and urine. In red sandy loam soil, an experiment was conducted to see how varying concentrations of jeevamrutha affected the growth parameters and yield attributes of tomato. In a factorial randomized complete block design, five treatments with different combinations were laid out with three replications. The experimental results revealed that applying jeevamrutha at a 50% concentration influenced growth parameters of the crops including height of plants, total number of leaves, leaf area index, root length, and shoot length significantly. The use of jeevamrutha at 100% was significant in increasing tomato fruit yield due to improvements in yield attributes such as total number of fruits per plant, weight, length, and diameter of fruits.

Multiresidue pesticide analysis in tomato using GC-MS/MS using modified QuEChERS method with titanium-coated graphite with CNT-ABS nanocomposite as dispersive solid-phase extraction materials

Abstract The presence of pesticide residues in food and vegetables is a growing concern for consumers. To monitor these residues reliably, a selective and sensitive multiresidue system has been developed and validated in tomato by gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Titanium-coated graphite with carbon nanotube (CNT) in acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) used as reversed-dispersive solid-phase (extraction materials with modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method. Titanium-coated graphite with CNT-ABS is synthesized, characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The clean-up performance of titanium-coated graphite with CNT-ABS was demonstrated to be better to primary secondary amine and graphitized carbon black cartridges. The processing of two multiple reaction monitoring transformations for each analyte is done using GC-MS/MS in electron impact mode. Satisfactory purification and recovery effects (74%–100%) of 35 pesticides were achieved in tomato matrices when using 5 mg of titanium-coated graphite ABS-CNT nanocomposite. It was observed that quinolphos and deltamethrin are present above the maximum residue limit. The technique proved to be reliable and sensitive in tomato samples for the routine testing of 35 pesticides.

Screening of pesticide distributions in foods of animal origin: a matrix-based approach for biotransfer factor modeling of grazing mammals.

Pesticides are detected in a wide array of foods of animal origin, posing a threat to food safety and human health. Here, to facilitate the management of pesticide residues in livestock products, we proposed a screening model for simulating pesticide biotransfer factors (BTFs, ratio of steady-state pesticide concentration between animal tissues and feed) in mammalian bodies. The proposed model was developed based on simple matrix algebra using first-order kinetics. Simulation of over 700 pesticides in common food products derived from cattle and sheep indicated that pesticide biotransfer is a balancing process between uptake efficiency from the gut lumen and the uptake-elimination ratio (ratio of the overall uptake and elimination rate constants) in individual tissues. Furthermore, we parameterized the developed BTF model using the octanol-water partition coefficient. The simulated pesticide BTFs could be categorized into three lipophilicity phases, namely, the lipophilicity-boosting (log KOW < 4), lipophilicity-balancing (4 ≤ log KOW ≤ 8), and lipophilicity-limiting (log KOW > 8) phases, and the simulated general trends of BTFs were consistent with the experimental data. Although the metabolic rate constants of pesticides in mammalian bodies warrant further evaluation, the model proposed here can assist in the risk assessment and regulatory management of pesticide residues in foods of animal origin.

Estimation of the Risk of Chronic Exposure of the Brazilian Population to Pesticide Residues by Eating Table Tomatoes

HIGHLIGHTS Pesticide residues in foods can result in extremely harmful impacts on human health. Pesticide residues its have been identified in tomatoes. There was no of chronic dietary exposure risk to pesticides through of tomatoes. The tomatoes were safe for human consumption.

Acute in vivo toxicity of neonicotinoid pesticide residues in common Egyptian fruits

Pesticide residues in food is a major health hazard. Contamination of pesticide residues in common Egyptian fruits was studied. Samples of peach and cantaloupe (500g each) from five different local markets were examined. Fruit samples were liquid-liquid extracted. Thiamethoxam was detected in three cantaloupe samples at 0.085 mg/kg and acetamiprid in two samples at 0.24 mg/kg, whereas acetamiprid was detected in all the peach samples at 0.08 mg/kg. Detected levels were below MRL. Male albino rats were given either distilled water (0.2 ml) or acetamiprid (17 µg/kg) or thiamethoxam (6 µg/kg) orally for 6 consecutive days. Doses were calculated according to the estimated average daily intake of fruits (~100 g) and extrapolated to rats. Thereafter, oxidative state of liver and brain was evaluated besides liver function tests and assessment of histopathological features. Serum GPT was in normal range in thiamethoxam-exposed rats, while it showed a marked increase in acetamiprid-exposed rats. sGOT was elevated after exposure to both compounds, though total protein and sGSH were not affected. Oxidative insult was expressed in liver tissue through increased MDA, NO and protein carbonyl contents, although the antioxidant GSH pool was not depleted after pesticide exposure. Acetamiprid boosted the cytokine IL-1 level. Histopathological examination of liver tissue showed inflammatory degenerative changes. Acetamiprid affected the DNA integrity in blood. Brain oxidative state was not changed. These pesticides should be further studied for guiding local regulations towards safer use to avoid long term associated health hazards.

Urinary concentrations and determinants of pyrethroid metabolites in pregnant women from non-rural areas of Yunnan, China.

The study assesses the levels of urinary pyrethroid pesticide (PYR) in women during early pregnancy. The factors associated with exposure are also determined. A total of 480 pregnant women from non-rural areas visiting hospital for prenatal examination during early pregnancy were enrolled. A self-designed, structured questionnaire was used to collect data on potential factors of PYR exposure. Urinary PYR metabolite levels were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The majority of urine samples (98.8%) contained one or more PYR metabolite, although only a few women self-reported pesticide exposure. Urinary 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3PBA) levels were close to those reported in certain developed countries. However, the levels of 3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (DBCA) and 4-fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid (4F3PBA) were higher than those reported in previous studies. Urinary PYR levels were positively associated with exposure to pesticides, consumption of bananas and oranges, the number of fruit types the women regularly ate, being multiparous, and cooked frequently. They were negatively associated with early pregnancy body mass index (BMI), unemployment, frequent intake of apples, and washing fruits and vegetables with soda or hot water. Pregnant women in non-rural areas were extensively exposed to low levels of PYRs. Dietary intake may be the primary pathway of exposure. The presented findings highlight the importance of using appropriate methods to reduce pesticide residues in food.

Comparison of Organic and Conventional Food and Food Production

Comparison of Organic and Conventional Food and Food Production

Robotic written silver ink on photographic paper for detection of thiram residues in fruits

With the widespread application of pesticide in agriculture, pesticide residues in food have posed serious health risks to human. There is an urgent requirement to detect pesticide residues in food. In this work, a sensitive and effective method was employed to measure thiram residues in fruit using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique. Silver ink was written on photographic paper (AgNPs-photographic paper) directly by robotic writing technique. The AgNPs-photographic paper substrates possessed good SERS activities and high stability among four months. A good linear response between the peaks intensities and the logarithmic concentrations of thiram was obtained with the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.024 ppb. The substrates also exhibited excellent reproducibility with relative standard deviation (RSD) value less than 10% from ten different substrates. SERS mapping was tested to characterize the uniformity of AgNPs-photographic paper, and the RSD value was calculated to be 14.34% at 1377 cm−1 measured by 120 points. The LOD values of apple and peach juice adulterated with thiram were 0.0024 and 0.024 ppm, respectively. The LOD values of thiram residues on apple and peach peels were both 0.25 ng/cm2. It was demonstrated that the substrates prepared by robotic writing technique had great potential for practical application in food safety inspection.

Simultaneous determination of eight carbamate pesticide residues in tomato, rice, and cabbage by online solid phase extraction/purification-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

建立了在线固相萃取/净化-高效液相色谱-串联质谱(online SPE-HPLC-MS/MS)同时测定番茄、大米和圆白菜中8种氨基甲酸酯类农药的分析方法。将番茄5.0 g(不加水)、圆白菜和大米各2.0 g(各加3 mL水),以1000 r/min旋涡1 min,加入2 g氯化钠和10 mL 0.5%(v/v)甲酸乙腈溶液,旋涡均匀后离心,上清液氮吹后用10%(v/v)乙腈水溶液复溶,复溶液使用CAPCELL PAK C18净化柱(50 mm×2.0 mm, 15 μm)进行在线净化,当流动相0.1%(v/v)甲酸水溶液和乙腈的体积比分别为90:10和35:65时,可实现氨基甲酸酯农药的吸附和洗脱。以ACQUITY UPLC CSH C18色谱柱(100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.7 μm)为分析柱,实现8种氨基甲酸酯类农药的分离,以0.1%(v/v)甲酸水溶液和乙腈为流动相进行梯度洗脱,在12.0 min内即可完成分析。在优化条件下,8种氨基甲酸酯类农药在各自线性范围内线性良好,相关系数均大于0.995, LOD和LOQ分别为0.01~0.3 ng/mL和0.05~1.0 ng/mL;在3个加标水平下,8种氨基甲酸酯类农药的加标回收率为73.76%~112.32%,相对标准偏差为1.28%~13.14%(n=6)。通过在线净化的方式,大大提高了前处理效率,只需12 min即可完成净化上样,不需氮吹复溶等步骤,提高了处理效率。该法回收率高,重复性好,具有准确、快速、灵敏、环保等优点,可用于植物性食品中8种氨基甲酸酯类农药的检测。

Rapid detection of paraquat residues in green tea using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) coupled with gold nanostars

As consumers demand safer food products, constant monitoring of pesticide residues in food is crucial. Conventional chromatography-based analytical methods are destructive and require time-consuming sample preparations. This study aims to establish a novel, facile, and rapid testing technique using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) coupled with gold nanostars as a SERS substrate. The SERS performance was evaluated by detecting a widely used pesticide, paraquat, in green tea samples. Spiky tips of gold nanostars can serve as SERS hot spots to intensify Raman signals of analyte molecules. Additionally, the rough topography of gold nanostars has increased surface area, enabling good substrate-analyte interactions. Electron microscopes and Zetasizer were employed for the characterization of gold nanostar substrate. The detection limit of this SERS method is 0.2 mg/kg for paraquat in green tea. The results indicate that SERS coupled with gold nanostars is a practical approach and has great potential to be applied for qualification and quantification of trace contaminants in foods. • Novel gold nanostars were synthesized with multiple outwardly radiating branches. • SERS coupled with gold nanostars was utilized to detect paraquat in green tea. • PLS models were built for prediction of paraquat in green tea (R = 0.99). • The detection limit of the SERS method for paraquat is 0.2 mg/kg. • SERS method is a facile and rapid method for trace analyses of food contaminants.