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Quality Control and Chemical Analysis for Pesticide Residues, Mycotoxins, and...
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Quality Control and Chemical Analysis for Pesticide Residues, Mycotoxins, and Other Contaminant Components in Agri-Food

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Quality and Safety".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (8 April 2026) | Viewed by 12600

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Álvaro Santana-Mayor

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Guest Editor
Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
Interests: analytical chemistry; chromatography; sample preparation; mass spectrometry; food science; green chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Bárbara Socas-Rodríguez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Química, Área de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
Interests: green analytical chemistry; food and environmental analysis; chromatography; mass spectrometry; supercritical fluids; biological samples; estrogenic compounds; bioactive substances
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is a pleasure to announce the next Special Issue of Foods, entitled “Quality Control and Chemical Analysis for Pesticide Residues, Mycotoxins, and Other Contaminant Components in Agri-Food”, which will compile state-of-the-art analytical methodologies, including extraction procedures or analysis systems, for the analysis of contaminants in the agri-food sector.

Analyzing contaminants in food and agricultural products is crucial in ensuring food safety and protecting consumer health, by minimizing exposure to harmful substances. Additionally, rigorous quality control confirms compliance with the maximum residue limits set by regulatory bodies, preventing illegal or unsafe products from entering the market. Furthermore, continuous analysis supports international trade that is based on adherence to quality standards and agri-food product requirements. The monitoring of residues helps in assessing environmental impacts and supports sustainable practices, as well as informing waste disposal and recycling strategies. All these aspects mean that it is necessary to research and innovate in order to adapt to changes in agri-food safety. Therefore, new methods, technologies, and best practices can emerge from quality control efforts.

This Special Issue will present recent advances in quality control and chemical analysis for different contaminants and provide an updated and critical overview of recent advances and future trends in agri-food. Original manuscripts, including full-length articles, short communications, and reviews, are welcome.

Dr. Álvaro Santana-Mayor
Dr. Bárbara Socas-Rodríguez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • agri-food products and by-products
  • quality control
  • chemical analysis
  • food safety
  • analytical methods
  • analysis systems
  • organic contaminants
  • pesticide residues
  • mycotoxins

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

18 pages, 2848 KB  
Article
Biochar Derived from Agro-Industrial Coconut Shell Waste for the Removal of Aflatoxin B1 Using an In Vitro Model That Considers Buffer Solutions and an In Vitro Avian Digestion Model
by Karla S. García-Salazar, Raquel López-Arellano, Jesús A. Maguey-Gonzalez, Juan D. Latorre, Elvia Adriana Morales Hipólito, Maykel González-Torres, Jorge L. Mejía-Méndez, Alma Vázquez-Durán, Guillermo Tellez-Isaias, Abraham Méndez-Albores, Bruno Solis-Cruz and Daniel Hernandez-Patlan
Foods 2026, 15(7), 1165; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15071165 - 30 Mar 2026
Viewed by 491
Abstract
The use of agro-industrial waste to obtain biochar has emerged as an environmentally friendly, low-cost, effective, profitable, and sustainable strategy for the removal of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a highly toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin of importance in poultry production systems because it can cause [...] Read more.
The use of agro-industrial waste to obtain biochar has emerged as an environmentally friendly, low-cost, effective, profitable, and sustainable strategy for the removal of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a highly toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin of importance in poultry production systems because it can cause serious economic losses, affect hatchability, egg production, and the growth of birds, and can cause their death. In this sense, the objective of the present study was to obtain a sustainable and low-cost biochar derived from agro-industrial coconut shell waste (BCS) and evaluate its AFB1 adsorption capacity using a conventional method based on buffer solutions and an in vitro avian digestion model that simulates the conditions of the gastrointestinal tract of the broiler chicken. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of BCS on AFB1 (250 ng/mL) at both pH 5.0 and 1.2 was close to 100%, while at pH 6.8, the adsorption of AFB1 was 86.24%. However, in the in vitro avian digestibility model, the adsorption capacity of BSC on AFB1 was 32.96%, thus highlighting the importance of considering factors that can affect the adsorption capacity of materials before in vivo studies, as this can lead to overestimations of results and, therefore, ineffective treatments or unexpected results in animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Control and Chemical Analysis for Pesticide Residues, Mycotoxins, and Other Contaminant Components in Agri-Food)
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14 pages, 1454 KB  
Article
HPLC-MS Detection of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates and Lauryl Ethoxylates in Foodstuffs and the Inner Coatings of High-Barrier Pouches
by Monika Beszterda-Buszczak, Magdalena Frańska and Rafał Frański
Foods 2025, 14(16), 2842; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14162842 - 16 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1606
Abstract
The widespread use of non-ionic surfactants, e.g., nonylphenol ethoxylates or dodecyl ethoxylates, may result in their occurrence in foodstuffs. In this paper, extracts from the coatings and from the contents of high-barrier food pouches were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. These flexible [...] Read more.
The widespread use of non-ionic surfactants, e.g., nonylphenol ethoxylates or dodecyl ethoxylates, may result in their occurrence in foodstuffs. In this paper, extracts from the coatings and from the contents of high-barrier food pouches were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. These flexible pouches are an alternative package format of growing interest which can replace traditional cans. In almost all samples, nonylphenol ethoxylates and dodecyl ethoxylates were detected. The identified nonylphenol ethoxylates usually contained 4–10 oxyethylene units, while the identified dodecyl ethoxylates contained 3–13 oxyethylene units. However, in a few samples, longer fractions of dodecyl ethoxylates were detected, namely those containing >15 oxyethylene units. A comparison of the non-ionic surfactant concentrations in the coating extracts with their concentrations in the content extracts indicated that the coating materials were not the main sources of the contents’ contamination. Other contaminants, namely BADGE conjugates and cyclic cooligoesters, which are common contaminants of canned foodstuffs, were found to rarely occur in high-barrier food pouches. Unexpectedly, in one sample polypropylene glycol was detected at a low concentration; this compound has not been previously identified as a potential food contaminant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Control and Chemical Analysis for Pesticide Residues, Mycotoxins, and Other Contaminant Components in Agri-Food)
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16 pages, 3863 KB  
Article
Natural Eutectic Solvent-Based Temperature-Controlled Liquid–Liquid Microextraction and Nano-Liquid Chromatography for the Analysis of Herbal Aqueous Samples
by Álvaro Santana-Mayor, Giovanni D’Orazio, Miguel Ángel Rodríguez-Delgado and Bárbara Socas-Rodríguez
Foods 2025, 14(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14010028 - 25 Dec 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2151
Abstract
In this work, two novel (-)-menthol-based hydrophobic natural eutectic solvents with vanillin and cinnamic acid were prepared and applied as extraction solvents. In this regard, 12 endocrine disruptors, including phenol, 2,4-dimethylphenol, 2,3,6-trimethylphenol, 4-tert-butylphenol, 4-sec-butylphenol, 4-tert-amylphenol, 4-n [...] Read more.
In this work, two novel (-)-menthol-based hydrophobic natural eutectic solvents with vanillin and cinnamic acid were prepared and applied as extraction solvents. In this regard, 12 endocrine disruptors, including phenol, 2,4-dimethylphenol, 2,3,6-trimethylphenol, 4-tert-butylphenol, 4-sec-butylphenol, 4-tert-amylphenol, 4-n-hexylphenol, 4-tert-octylphenol, 4-n-heptylphenol, 4-n-octylphenol, and 4-n-nonylphenol and bisphenol A, were studied in a green tea drink. A temperature-controlled liquid–liquid microextraction was used as the extraction method, and nano-liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection was used as the separation and determination system. Different parameters affecting the compatibility of the non-ionic eutectic solvents with water-polar organic solvent mixtures and chromatographic and detection systems were optimized, including injection/dilution solvent, injection mode, mobile phase composition, and step gradient. With the same purpose, two stationary phases were tested, including XBridge® C18 and a mixed-phase Cogent C30-XBridge® C18. Finally, the greenness and blueness of the methodology were assessed to evaluate the environmental profile and usability of the procedure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Control and Chemical Analysis for Pesticide Residues, Mycotoxins, and Other Contaminant Components in Agri-Food)
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17 pages, 2025 KB  
Article
Optimization of Ferimzone and Tricyclazole Analysis in Rice Straw Using QuEChERS Method and Its Application in UAV-Sprayed Residue Study
by So-Hee Kim, Jae-Woon Baek, Hye-Ran Eun, Ye-Jin Lee, Su-Min Kim, Mun-Ju Jeong, Yoon-Hee Lee, Hyun Ho Noh and Yongho Shin
Foods 2024, 13(21), 3517; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13213517 - 4 Nov 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2188
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Control and Chemical Analysis for Pesticide Residues, Mycotoxins, and Other Contaminant Components in Agri-Food)
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19 pages, 7369 KB  
Article
Enhanced Surveillance of >1100 Pesticides and Natural Toxins in Food: Harnessing the Capabilities of LC-HRMS for Reliable Identification and Quantification
by Thomas Bessaire, Marie-Claude Savoy, Marion Ernest, Nicolas Christinat, Flavia Badoud, Aurélien Desmarchelier, Benoit Carrères, Wai-Chinn Chan, Xiaoyu Wang and Thierry Delatour
Foods 2024, 13(19), 3040; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13193040 - 25 Sep 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3439
Abstract
The consequences of climate change along with diverse food regulations and agricultural practices worldwide are complexifying the occurrence and management of chemical contaminants in food. In this context, we present an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) approach for the simultaneous identification [...] Read more.
The consequences of climate change along with diverse food regulations and agricultural practices worldwide are complexifying the occurrence and management of chemical contaminants in food. In this context, we present an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) approach for the simultaneous identification and quantitation of over 1100 pesticide residues, mycotoxins, and plant toxins in cereals and fruits and vegetables. Analytical conditions were optimized to maximize the scope of the targeted molecules, the reliability of compound identification, and quantification performance within a single method. The method was further transferred and validated in another laboratory to assess its ruggedness. Validation according to the SANTE 11312/2021v2 guidelines showed that 92% and 98% of the molecules fulfill the quantification criteria at the lowest validated level in the cereals and fruits and vegetables groups, respectively. Analysis of fifteen certified reference materials led to a 96% satisfactory rate of z-scores confirming method’s competitiveness. Furthermore, the occurrence of these contaminants was studied in 205 cereals and grains samples collected worldwide. The low µg/kg quantification limits make this LC-HRMS method a valuable tool to ensure compliance toward regulations and to screen for non-regulated substances for which occurrence data are crucial for an appropriate risk evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Control and Chemical Analysis for Pesticide Residues, Mycotoxins, and Other Contaminant Components in Agri-Food)
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Review

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22 pages, 1178 KB  
Review
The Route of Biogenic Amines in Alcoholic Beverages: A Focus on Wine
by Luigi Esposito, Andrea Piva, Dino Mastrocola and Maria Martuscelli
Foods 2026, 15(9), 1457; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15091457 - 22 Apr 2026
Viewed by 375
Abstract
Biogenic amines (BAs) are important qualitative indicators of quality, as they are produced by specific microbial strains and can therefore reflect the activity of specific spoilage organisms (SSOs). Their presence in food, including wine, provides valuable information on processing conditions, hygiene practices and [...] Read more.
Biogenic amines (BAs) are important qualitative indicators of quality, as they are produced by specific microbial strains and can therefore reflect the activity of specific spoilage organisms (SSOs). Their presence in food, including wine, provides valuable information on processing conditions, hygiene practices and storage management throughout the production chain. In wine, the accumulation of BAs—particularly histamine, tyramine and putrescine—is mainly associated with microbial activity during fermentation, especially malolactic fermentation, and may pose potential risks to consumer health. Despite the recognized toxicological relevance of BAs, current European Union (EU) regulations only establish limits for histamine in certain fish products, with no specific legal thresholds defined for wine. However, growing evidence on the interactions and adverse effects of BAs highlights the need to better address their occurrence in wine and to improve consumer awareness regarding safety and quality aspects. In addition to safety concerns, the implementation of good hygiene and manufacturing practices across the entire production process plays a crucial role in controlling BA levels in the final product. These factors, together with the intrinsic characteristics of wine, may influence consumer perception and choice, integrating aspects of health, production methods and product quality. Recent findings suggest a shift in perspective, where BAs are not only considered risk markers but also useful indicators for assessing wine quality and enhancing consumer safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Control and Chemical Analysis for Pesticide Residues, Mycotoxins, and Other Contaminant Components in Agri-Food)
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Other

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17 pages, 3219 KB  
Opinion
Opinion Piece: Tools for Particle-Size-Based Homogeneity Assessments in Mycotoxin Analysis
by Kai Zhang and Grace Reichard
Foods 2025, 14(19), 3294; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14193294 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1187
Abstract
Due to the heterogeneous nature of fungal and mycotoxin contamination in foods, it is essential to assess sample homogeneity to ensure that test portions are representative of the entire sample. In mycotoxin analysis, sample homogeneity can be characterized either by the distribution of [...] Read more.
Due to the heterogeneous nature of fungal and mycotoxin contamination in foods, it is essential to assess sample homogeneity to ensure that test portions are representative of the entire sample. In mycotoxin analysis, sample homogeneity can be characterized either by the distribution of the target mycotoxin or, more practically, by sample particle size and size distribution. At present, no standardized methodology has been established for assessing sample homogeneity in mycotoxin testing. Moreover, research dedicated to particle-size-based homogeneity assessment, particularly employing particle size analysis tools, remains limited. Therefore, it is worthwhile to discuss available techniques for particle size analysis. This opinion piece presents our perspective on existing techniques, namely sieving, microscopy, laser diffraction, and flow imaging microscopy, while highlighting the current challenges and outlining prospective directions for advancing homogeneity evaluation in mycotoxin analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Control and Chemical Analysis for Pesticide Residues, Mycotoxins, and Other Contaminant Components in Agri-Food)
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