Search Results (57)

Haloxyfop-P-methyl (HPM) is widely used for grass weed control in oilseed rape production. However, whether its residues affect subsequent seed germination and the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. In this study, seeds harvested from HPM-treated fields exhibited a significantly reduced germination rate of 36.5%, compared with 100% in the control group, accompanied by abnormal cell morphology. Residue analysis revealed an HPM concentration of 3.36 mg kg⁻¹ in the treated seeds, exceeding the Chinese maximum residue limit (MRL) of 3 mg kg⁻¹ (GB 2763). Given that herbicides often induce oxidative stress, we measured a range of antioxidant markers (H₂O₂, MDA, SOD, POD, GSH, GSSG, AsA, and DHA) during germination (12 h and 24 h) but detected no significant changes, which did not support oxidative stress as the primary mechanism during this phase. Relative electrical conductivity measurements further indicated that membrane integrity was already compromised in dry seeds, suggesting that oxidative injury—if it occurred—may have taken place during seed development rather than during germination. To elucidate the molecular basis, we performed transcriptomic, metabolomic, and lipidomic analyses, which revealed significant downregulation of fatty acid biosynthesis genes and marked alterations in the lipidome profile. Collectively, our multi-stage investigation demonstrates that HPM residue accumulation is associated with impaired seed germination, primarily through metabolic disruption of lipid reserves rather than oxidative damage during germination, highlighting a non-target phytotoxic effect of this herbicide on the crop itself. These findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding the potential toxicity of persistent HPM residues in rapeseed, with implications for pesticide environmental risk assessment and the safe production of rapeseed. Full article

Dietary pesticide exposure is a growing public health concern, particularly for children in agricultural regions. This study assessed the occurrence and concentration of neonicotinoids and other pesticide residues in foods frequently consumed by preschool children (4–5 years) in an agroindustrial zone of Jalisco, Mexico, and estimated their weekly dietary exposure (DE). Thirty-one food samples representing 18 items were collected from retail sites identified through seven-day dietary records completed by 23 families. Samples were analyzed by LC/ESI-MS/MS covering 236 compounds; exposure was estimated considering raw and cooked consumption patterns and processing factors. Residues were detected in 87% of samples, yielding 34 distinct compounds, including 5 neonicotinoids; imidacloprid was the most frequently detected. Strawberry, raspberry, apple, grape, and tomato showed the highest residue loads; seven samples exceeded MRLs set by the EU, USA, or Mexico. Raw food consumption accounted for 96% of total estimated exposure, with pyrimethanil, boscalid, propamocarb, and imidacloprid as principal contributors. These findings confirm that children in this population face repeated, simultaneous exposure to multiple pesticides through diet, underscoring the need for stronger food safety monitoring, harmonized regulatory limits, and cumulative risk assessment frameworks for vulnerable populations. Full article

Pesticide residues in vegetables constitute a potential source of exposure to endocrine- and reproductive-disrupting chemicals (EDCs/RDs), particularly in vulnerable populations such as children. This study assessed pesticide occurrence in vegetables from 12 countries worldwide and evaluated associated health risks for children and adults within the framework of European legislation. Of the 390 analyzed samples, 84.7% contained 40 pesticides, including nine non-approved compounds (26% of samples). Fungicides were among the detected groups (81.7%), with boscalid (0.005–0.36 mg kg⁻¹) and propamocarb (0.005–0.87 mg kg⁻¹) being the most commonly occurring compounds. Multiresidue contamination was observed in 75.7% of samples. Tomatoes and leeks exhibited the highest concentrations, and the European Union maximum residue level (MRL) was exceeded by up to 240% for flonicamid in Chinese cabbage. Propamocarb was the most commonly identified EDC, while tomatoes showed the greatest diversity of these compounds. RDs occurred less frequently, with pyraclostrobin being the most common. Risk assessment resulting from the presence of multiple pesticides in an individual sample expressed as the hazard index (HI) exceeded acceptable levels for BE toddlers consuming tomatoes (1.345 for EDCs and 1.264 for RDs) and leeks (1.010) containing propamocarb. These findings highlight an in-depth toxicological evaluation of the combined effects of multiple hazardous pesticides occurring simultaneously, which may support future legislative measures aimed at improving food safety. Full article

The occurrence of pesticide residues in pome fruits and their implications for consumer health remain critical concerns in food safety. In this study, 222 pesticide residues were analysed in 155 samples of apples, pears, and quinces collected from Türkiye between October 2025 and March 2026 using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Residues were detected in 76.4% of apples, 86% of pears, and 30% of quinces, with frequent multi-residue patterns and notable occurrences of non-approved compounds. Pear samples exhibited the highest contamination levels, with maximum residue level (MRL) exceedance rates reaching 30%, compared to 14.5% in apples and 2% in quinces. Quality assessment based on the index of quality for residues (IqR) indicated that 96% of quince samples were classified as excellent or good, demonstrating the most favourable profile among the evaluated commodities. Risk ranking analysis further indicated that acetamiprid was the only high-risk pesticide in apples, whereas residues in pears were predominantly medium risk, and all detected compounds in quinces fell within the low-risk category. Deterministic risk assessment indicated that chronic exposure remained well below levels of concern for both adults and children. Under combined pome fruit consumption, acetamiprid and spirodiclofen were identified as the main contributors to chronic hazard index (HIc), accounting for 33% and 13% of HIc, respectively. However, acute exposure exceeded the safety threshold (HQa > 1) in children for acetamiprid in both apples and pears. Probabilistic modelling confirmed right-skewed exposure distributions and highlighted increased risk under cumulative consumption scenarios. Full article

Pesticides play a crucial role in modern agriculture by protecting crops from pests, diseases, and weeds, thereby contributing to increased agricultural productivity and food security. However, their extensive use may lead to the presence of residues in food products, particularly vegetables, which can pose potential risks to human health. Therefore, continuous monitoring of pesticide residues in vegetables is essential to ensure food safety, assess dietary exposure, and protect consumers from possible acute and chronic health effects associated with pesticide intake. In this study, the concentrations of pesticide residues were determined in 1236 samples of 44 vegetable species collected over a four-year period. Vegetables originated from 39 countries, including Serbia (n = 213). Pesticide residues were determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) after extraction using a modified QuEChERS protocol. A total of 148 pesticide residues were detected. Of the vegetable samples, 40.13% had pesticide residues at or above 0.01 mg/kg, and 1.78% exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by the Serbian regulation. MRL values were most often exceeded in ginger, cucumber, and spinach. The most frequently found pesticide was imidacloprid (detected in 74 samples, 5.99%). Multiple pesticides were detected in 22.01% of the vegetable samples, and one tomato sample contained up to 10 pesticide residues. Based on the available data and further development of a representative dataset, together with appropriate statistical analyses, dietary exposure assessments for pesticides can be conducted. Full article

Ethylene oxide (EtO) has been banned in the European Union since 1991 as a fumigant for food commodities. Nevertheless, recurrent contamination incidents, especially since 2020, involving imports from India, have raised significant food safety concerns. Despite regulatory measures, EtO and its metabolite, 2-chloroethanol (2-CE), continue to be detected in a variety of food products, including dried foods, dietary supplements, and food additives. This study presents a QuEChERS-based method involving the conversion of EtO into 2-CE, which is subsequently quantified by isotope dilution gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). In contrast to previously published methods, this protocol utilises an Agilent HP-5ms Ultra Inert column (30 m × 250 μm × 0.25 mm), routinely employed in our laboratory for multi-residue pesticide analysis. The proposed approach is therefore readily adaptable to laboratories already performing multi-residue analyses, as it does not require modifications to existing instrumental configurations. The method was validated in accordance with SANTE/11312/2021 guidelines. A total of 84 samples, primarily imported from India, as well as from Brazil, Argentina, and the United Kingdom, were analysed. 2-CE was detected in four samples, and in two cases, the sum of EtO and 2-CE, expressed as EtO, exceeded the European Union (EU) maximum residue limit (MRL). Full article

Vegetables constitute an essential component of the daily diet in Albania; however, they also represent a major pathway of human exposure to pesticide residues. This study investigates the presence of pesticide residues in widely used vegetables, including leafy, fruity, root, and bulb types, and evaluates the potential dietary health risks associated with their consumption. Vegetable samples were analyzed using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), for the presence of 417 pesticide analytes, ensuring high analytical sensitivity and reliability. Pesticide residues were present, with 42 distinct compounds, including metabolites, found in all the analyzed samples. Notably, some of the detected substances are not currently authorized for use as plant protection products, suggesting either environmental persistence or regulatory non-compliance. Exceedances of European Union maximum residue limits (MRLs) were most frequently detected in leafy vegetables (42.31%), followed by fruity vegetables (18.75%), whereas no MRL exceedances were observed in root and bulb vegetables. According to the dietary exposure assessment conducted using European Food Safety Authority Pesticide Residue Intake Model (EFSA PRIMo model v.3.1), chronic dietary exposure to pesticide residues was below the acceptable daily intake (ADI). According to this assessment, the acute exposure exceeded the acute reference dose (ARfD) for several pesticide–vegetable combinations, particularly among children. This highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and better agricultural management techniques to reduce potential health risks related to pesticide residues in vegetables. The study results indicate the need to strengthen national monitoring programs, enforce pesticide regulations more strictly, and promote the wider adoption of integrated pest management strategies to reduce dietary pesticide exposure and protect public health in Albania. Full article

This study presents a novel approach for optimizing GC-MS/MS performance and ensuring the reproducibility of pesticide residue analysis across diverse food matrices. Analysis of thermally treated (100–280 °C) extracts using GC-MS (scan mode) and FTIR revealed that strawberry and dry mint contain significantly higher concentrations of non-volatile co-extractives of varying chemical natures compared to fennel seeds. It was further elucidated that polar non-volatile co-extractives exhibit a more pronounced negative impact on analytical performance. Consequently, a synergistic approach was developed for strawberry analysis, combining end-column back-flushing with the application of fennel extract as a Natural Analyte Protectant (NAP). For dry mint, optimal results were achieved through a different approach: standard forward carrier gas cleaning combined with a fivefold sample dilution. The developed protocols enabled the efficient analysis of 195 pesticides in strawberries, all achieving LOQs of 0.01 mg/kg. Results demonstrated high precision (RSD < 3% for most analytes) and excellent recoveries (90–110%) at 0.01 and 0.05 mg/kg. Furthermore, 154 and 186 pesticides were successfully validated in dry mint with LOQs of 0.01 and 0.05 mg/kg, respectively. This research demonstrates that efficient column cleaning can be achieved through either back-flushing or the same forward-flow of the carrier gas, depending on whether the non-volatile co-extractives are polar or non-polar. Finally, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fennel extract is introduced as a highly effective NAP, which is especially advantageous for samples lacking endogenous volatile components while simultaneously containing high concentrations of polar co-extractives. Pesticide residue monitoring was applied for 20 commercial samples, demonstrating high sensitivity. While strawberry samples exhibited excellent regulatory compliance and a total absence of chlorpyrifos, herbal matrices showed a higher chemical burden characterized by multi-residue co-occurrence and MRL exceedances. Full article

Intensive horticultural and fruit production in Chile relies on pesticides, raising concerns about compliance with residue limits and the continued availability of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs). Recent national monitoring data from Chile indicate frequent detections of HHPs in plant-based foods and repeated exceedances of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). This study analyzed official datasets from Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture, combining food residue monitoring data from 2015 to 2023 with pesticide sales and import statistics as additional indicators of availability. Active ingredients were standardized to ISO names and CAS numbers and classified for HHP status based on FAO/WHO hazard criteria, with cross-referencing to the Pesticide Action Network (PAN). The results present surveillance indicators focusing on detection rates and MRL exceedance proportions. Between 2015 and 2023, residues were identified in 82.8% of the collected samples. The most frequently detected residues overall included fludioxonil, acetamiprid, pyrimethanil, fenhexamid, and boscalid, indicating a detection profile primarily characterized by fungicides with substantial contributions from insecticides. When restricting to HHPs classified residues, the most frequently detected HHPs included tebuconazole, captan, iprodione, spirodiclofen, chlorantraniliprole, and carbendazim, indicating a detection profile primarily characterized by fungicides, with significant contributions from insecticides. Records of exceedances were concentrated within a limited subset of residues, predominantly acetamiprid and dithiocarbonates, and were most frequently associated with apples, table grapes, cherries, blueberries, pears, and certain vegetables, notably leafy vegetables. The active ingredients classified within HHPs included fludioxonil, fenhexamid, tebuconazole, cyprodinil, and lambda-cyhalothrin. The findings support agronomic decision-making by emphasizing GAP/PHI reinforcement, targeted monitoring, and IPM-based substitution options for activities involving recurrent HHP detection. Full article

(1) Pome fruits (apples and pears) are among the most frequently consumed fruits in Europe and may contribute to dietary exposure to pesticide residues. Although residue levels generally comply with maximum residue limits (MRLs), even low concentrations may cumulatively contribute to chronic health risks under conditions of frequent and long-term consumption. This study aimed to quantitatively assess dietary exposure and the potential non-carcinogenic health risks associated with pesticide residues in apples and pears, using representative monitoring and consumption data. (2) The assessment was based on results of the Polish national official monitoring program for pesticide residues in food, specifically apples and pears sampled in 2022, as reported by the National Institute of Public Health (NIZP-PZH). These data were combined with age- and body weight-specific consumption scenarios derived from FAO/WHO GEMS/Food cluster diets and national Polish statistics. For the most frequently detected pesticides (captan, flonicamid, acetamiprid and fosetyl-Al in apples; captan and acetamiprid in pears), the mean and 95th percentile concentrations were used to estimate the estimated daily intake (EDI). Non-carcinogenic risk was characterized using the hazard quotient (HQ = EDI/ADI) and the cumulative Hazard Index (HI). The hazard quotient (HQ) was calculated as the ratio of estimated daily intake to the acceptable daily intake (HQ = EDI/ADI), while the Hazard Index (HI) was defined as the sum of individual HQ values for pesticides detected in a given commodity and exposure scenario (HI = ΣHQ). Calculations were performed separately for children and adults under several dietary scenarios (Polish general population, German child, German general population, GEMS/Food G08). (3) For all pesticides and exposure scenarios, the HQ values were well below 1, indicating no exceedance of the acceptable daily intake (ADI). The highest chronic exposure was observed for apples in children (German child scenario), with the HQ values for captan, flonicamid and acetamiprid in the approximate range of 0.01–0.05, while the HI remained < 0.1 even under high-consumption conditions. In adults (Polish and German general populations, GEMS/Food G08), HQ values were approximately one order of magnitude lower than in children, and the cumulative HI values for both apples and pears were far below 1. The contribution of pears to total exposure was limited, reflecting lower consumption and fewer active substances detected. (4) This quantitative risk assessment, based on Polish monitoring data from 2022, indicates that under current residue levels and consumption patterns, chronic dietary exposure to pesticide residues from apples and pears does not pose a relevant non-carcinogenic health concern for either children or adults. Nevertheless, children consistently showed higher relative exposure than adults, underscoring the importance of age-stratified risk assessment and continued monitoring of residues in commonly consumed fruits. The findings support existing regulatory frameworks while justifying sustained, targeted surveillance of key active substances in pome fruits as part of public health prevention strategies. Full article

The increasing reliance of the European Union on strawberry imports from North African countries, particularly Egypt, underscores the necessity of systematic monitoring of these commodities for pesticide residues prior to their placement on the EU market. This study evaluated pesticide residues in Egyptian strawberries inspected at the Polish border between 2021 and 2024. Detection rates rose sharply from 63% in 2022 to over 90% in 2023–2024, although a subset of samples each year contained no detectable residues (1 sample in 2021 and 2024; 2 in 2022), confirming that pesticide-free production is achievable. Fosetyl-aluminium was the most frequently identified compound, followed by bromide ion, azoxystrobin, and boscalid. Eleven exceedances of maximum residue levels (MRLs) were recorded, involving substances not approved in the EU due to carcinogenic, neurotoxic, or endocrine-disrupting properties. Multiple-residue presence was common, with up to eleven pesticides detected in a single sample. The findings highlight the need for broader surveillance, stricter enforcement, and support for sustainable pest management in exporting countries. Full article

This study analyzed 5731 Egyptian onion samples collected from 2021 to 2024 to detect 430 pesticide residues and evaluate occurrence patterns, EU Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) compliance, multiple residue prevalence, and consumer health implications. The analysis revealed temporal fluctuations in contamination, with residue-free samples ranging from 51.19% (2023) to 75.59% (2022) and MRL exceedances varying from 1.34% (2022) to 8.33% (2023). Throughout 2021–2024, fungicides dominated pesticide residues, declining from 70% to 50%, while insecticides increased from 30% to 40%. Pesticide detection patterns shifted significantly over the study period, with carbendazim decreasing from 20.99% to 2.35%, azoxystrobin fluctuating between 3.86% and 18.78%, and dimethomorph rising to 16.67%, reflecting evolving agricultural practices. Multiple residue occurrence fluctuated dramatically, from 9.76% (2022) to a peak of 30.82% (2023), while single residue occurrence remained more stable, ranging between 14.06% and 22.90%. Several pesticides exceeded EU MRLs, including imazalil, chlorpropham, chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, and profenofos. Despite these violations, the EFSA PRIMo 3.1 model’s chronic risk assessment showed that exposure levels for all population groups remained well below Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) thresholds, with a maximum %ADI of 2.27% for chlorpyrifos in high-consumption regions. Full article

Strawberries are among the most consumed fruits in Europe, but intensive cultivation requires frequent pesticide use, raising food safety concerns. This study evaluated pesticide residues and dietary risk in strawberries from the Agro Aversano area (Southern Italy). A total of 83 samples collected in 2023–2024 were analyzed using a validated QuEChERS-LC–MS/MS method targeting 850 active substances. Thirty-one pesticides were detected, predominantly fungicides, followed by acaricides and insecticides. Cyflumetofen and pyrimethanil were the most frequent residues, while compounds with low toxicological thresholds, including emamectin benzoate, lambda-cyhalothrin, acetamiprid, and tetraconazole, were also identified. Dietary risk assessment was conducted with the EFSA PRIMo model (v.3.1), focusing on the NL toddler subgroup. Despite occasional exceedances of European Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), both acute and chronic exposures remained well below toxicological reference values (ADI and ARfD). Overall, the results indicate negligible health risks but highlight the relevance of cumulative exposure, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and sustainable pest management practices to ensure strawberry safety. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate residue changes in flubendiamide and tebufenozide during the processing of whole grain into milled rice, cooked rice, and rice cake, and to calculate their processing factors (PFs). For the processing study, pesticides were applied at three times the recommended rate based on Korea’s good agricultural practice (GAP), and processed products were prepared using conventional methods. Residual pesticide analysis was performed using a modified QuEChERS method and LC-MS/MS. The residue analysis method was validated based on parameters including LOQ, linearity, and accuracy at the LOQ, 10LOQ, and MRL levels, with the LOQ set at 0.01 mg/kg for all samples. During milling, which removes the hull, more than 90% of the pesticide residues were eliminated. Additional reductions exceeding 50% were observed during cooking and rice cake processing. All PFs, except for those in the hulls, were less than 1, indicating that processing reduces pesticide levels. Despite the use of threefold the GAP rate, the %ADI values for all processed products remained below 1%, suggesting negligible dietary risk. These findings provide scientific evidence supporting the safety of processed rice products regarding pesticide residues and highlight the importance of considering processing effects in dietary exposure assessments. Full article

This study investigates the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in 165 yogurt samples collected from farms across 11 Lebanese regions. As the first nationwide assessment of these contaminants in yogurt, it addresses a critical gap in Lebanon’s food safety monitoring. Levels of PCBs, ΣDDTs, ΣHCH, HCB, endosulfan, methoxychlor, and dieldrin were quantified, revealing widespread contamination. A total of 40.6% of samples recorded total PCB concentrations exceeding European maximum residue limits (MRLs), with a national mean of 39.26 ng/g fat. Keserwan, and North and South Lebanon showed the highest PCB contamination, likely linked to thermal power generation activities. For OCPs, mean concentrations of all tested compounds exceeded their respective MRLs across all regions. Levels of ΣDDTs surpassed the MRL in 100% of samples with the highest mean concentration at 376.79 ng/g fat, followed by endosulfan (70.32 ng/g fat) and β-HCH (65.32 ng/g fat). Elevated OCP levels were especially noted in Bekaa, Baalbek-Hermel, and South and North Lebanon, likely reflecting intensive agricultural practices and the ongoing use of contaminants. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) indicated potential dietary exposure risks, particularly from PCBs, ΣDDTs, and ΣHCH. These findings underscore the urgent need for regulatory oversight and national food safety monitoring to ensure public health protection. Full article