Brazilian monitoring programs for pesticide residues in food – Results from 2001 to 2010

Abstract

a b s t r a c tA total of 13,556 samples of 22 fruit and vegetable crops, rice, and beans were analyzed within two Brazilian pesticide residue monitoring programs between 2001 and 2010. Pesticide residues were found in 48.3% of the samples, and 13.2% presented some irregularity, mostly non-authorized active ingredient use. Less than 3% of the samples had residue levels above the MRL. Apple, papaya, sweet pepper and strawberry were the crops with the higher percentages of positive samples (about 80%). Dithiocarbamates and organophosphorus compounds were found in 41.6% and 30.8% of the samples, respectively. Carbendazim and chlorpyrifos were the pesticides most found (26.7 and 16.1% of positive samples, respectively). Almost half of the samples analyzed had multiple residues (up to 10 residues), with multiple residues most common in samples of apple, sweet pepper and tomato. About 8% of positive samples contained up to four residues of the same chemical class, mainly organophosphorus compounds (18.6%, mostly in apple) and triazoles (16.1%, mostly in papaya and grape). In general, the scenario of pesticide residues in foods investigated within the Brazilian governmental monitoring programs in the last decade is similar to what has been found in other countries. However, the use of non-authorized active ingredients is a common practice among the farmers in the country, a problem that the government authorities have been trying to solve. A preliminary cumulative acute exposure assessment for organophosphates and carbamates in apple has shown that the intake by individuals 10 years old accounts for 100% of the acephate ARfD, indicating a need to further investigate the exposure through the consumptions of other crops and group of pesticides, mainly for children.

Triclosan as a surrogate for household biocides: An investigation into biocides in aquatic environments of a highly urbanized region

“…Azole fungicides used in personal care products like shampoo could enter surface water primarily by domestic sewage (Kahle et al, 2008). As to carbendazim in household sewage, it may originate partially from the chemical residue in fruits and vegetables (Akiyama et al, 2011;Jardim and Caldas, 2012). In addition to domestic sewage source, DEET (insect repellent), and two parabens (preservatives) have other contribution sources such as agricultural wastewater source (e.g., livestock) and industrial wastewater source (e.g., food processing) (Aronson et al, 2012;Eriksson et al, 2008).…”

Investigations on fungicide removal from broccoli by various processing methods

“…Thus, pesticides can be often detected in those vegetables [3,4]. Occurrence of various pesticide residues in vegetables has been widely studied and published by many researchers [5][6][7]. However, the data of fungicide residue occurrence in broccoli are limited.…”

OCDE - Avaliações de Desempenho Ambiental Brasil 2015

“…Além disso, importantes insumos agrícolas, como água, pesticidas e fertilizantes, (Jardim e Caldas, 2012).…”