A Comprehensive Review of Pesticide Residues in Peppers

Abstract

Pesticides are chemicals that are used to control pests such as insects, fungi, and weeds. Pesticide residues can remain on crops after application. Peppers are popular and versatile foods that are valued for their flavor, nutrition, and medicinal properties. The consumption of raw or fresh peppers (bell and chili) can have important health benefits due to their high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Therefore, it is crucial to consider factors such as pesticide use and preparation methods to fully realize these benefits. Ensuring that the levels of pesticide residues in peppers are not harmful to human health requires rigorous and continuous monitoring. Several analytical methods, such as gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectrometry (MS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), can detect and quantify pesticide residues in peppers. The choice of analytical method depends on the specific pesticide, that is being tested for and the type of sample being analyzed. The sample preparation method usually involves several processes. This includes extraction, which is used to separate the pesticides from the pepper matrix, and cleanup, which removes any interfering substances that could affect the accuracy of the analysis. Regulatory agencies or food safety organizations typically monitor pesticide residues in peppers by stipulating maximum residue limits (MRLs). Herein, we discuss various sample preparation, cleanup, and analytical techniques, as well as the dissipation patterns and application of monitoring strategies for analyzing pesticides in peppers to help safeguard against potential human health risks. From the authors’ perspective, several challenges and limitations exist in the analytical approach to monitoring pesticide residues in peppers. These include the complexity of the matrix, the limited sensitivity of some analytical methods, cost and time, a lack of standard methods, and limited sample size. Furthermore, developing new analytical methods, using machine learning and artificial intelligence, promoting sustainable and organic growing practices, improving sample preparation methods, and increasing standardization could assist efficiently in analyzing pesticide residues in peppers.

Exposure and risk assessment for agricultural workers during chlorothalonil and flubendiamide treatments in pepper fields

“…In the Republic of Korea, anthracnose and oriental tobacco budworm are recurring problems in pepper cultivation, and fungicides and insecticides are used annually to control them 37 . Chlorothalonil is a registered fungicide for controlling anthracnose, and flubendiamide is a registered insecticide for controlling oriental tobacco budworm in peppers 10 , 34 , 38 . Flubendiamide exhibits minimal toxicity through the oral, dermal, and inhalation routes.…”

“…In contrast, chlorothalonil is mostly non-toxic in the context of oral or dermal exposure, but it exhibits moderate toxicity when inhaled 39 , 40 . Chlorothalonil and flubendiamide are widely used in pepper field in Republic of Korea 34 . However, there are few studies on the exposure of agricultural workers to these pesticides in the pepper field.…”

The application of infrared thermography technology in flap: A perspective from bibliometric and visual analysis

“…Firstly, infrared technology is a non‐invasive method that does not require contact with the patient's skin or dye injection, 60 reducing the risks of infection and trauma. Secondly, infrared technology can provide real‐time and continuous monitoring data, 61 enabling the detection of blood flow abnormalities or vascular complications within the flap. This allows doctors to promptly identify any issues and take necessary intervention measures.…”

Obtaining Sustainable Electrical Energy from Pepper Waste

“…Peppers play an essential role in everyone's diet due to their nutritional value, due to the fact that they contain a high content of vitamins A, C, and E, in addition to protein, fiber, potassium, and magnesium, becoming a reinforcement for the immune system, thus benefiting health [23][24][25]. The consumption of peppers maintains healthy skin and eyesight and reduces the risk of fatal diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer [26].…”