Evaluation of the Results of Pesticide Residue Analysis in Food Sampled between 2017 and 2021

Abstract

As mandated by the EU and the national risk management duties, pesticide residues were determined by four specialized laboratories in 9924 samples taken from 119 crops of economic importance in Hungary and imported foodstuffs during 2017–2021. The screening method applied covered 622 pesticide residues as defined for enforcement purposes. The limit of detection ranged between 0.002 and 0.008 mg/kg. The 1.0% violation rate concerning all commodities was lower than in the European Union. No residue was detectable in 45.9% of the samples. For detailed analyses, six commodities (apple, cherry, grape, nectarine/peach, sweet peppers, and strawberry) were selected as they were analyzed in over 195 samples and most frequently contained residues. Besides testing their conformity with national MRLs, applying 0.3 MRL action limits for pre-export control, we found that 73% of the sampled lots would be compliant with ≥90% probability based on a second independent sampling. Multiple residues (2–23) in one sample were detected in 36–50% of the tested lots. Considering the provisions of integrated pest management, and the major pests and diseases of selected crops, normally three to four and exceptionally, seven to nine active ingredients with different modes of action should suffice for their effective and economic protection within four weeks before harvest.

Computational Binding Study Hints at Ecdysone 20-Mono-Oxygenase as the Hitherto Unknown Target for Ring C-Seco Limonoid-Type Insecticides

“…Their potential assets have been outlined in the literature recently [44,45]. In particular, in the context of environmental toxicity, biodegradable limonoids are less harmful than older synthetic pesticides, which persist as pesticide residues in crops in fields or are washed into surface water and end up contaminating drinking water or food plants and fruits, all of which can be detected in pesticide residue analyses [46,47].…”

Assessment of Hungarian Consumers’ Exposure to Pesticide Residues Based on the Results of Pesticide Residue Monitoring between 2017 and 2021

“…Pesticide residue monitoring results revealed that a substantial proportion of samples contain multiple residues. In Hungary, 36-50% of samples contained multiple residues ranging from 2 to 23 during 2017-2021 [13]. The frequency of multiple residues was in the same range in European countries.…”

“…Pesticide residues in food and environmental samples are monitored in many countries to various extents [13]. One of the main objectives of the monitoring program is to provide data on the dietary exposure assessment of consumers.…”

Science, technology, agri-food systems, health, and wellbeing: logic, dynamics, and relationships

“…However, this analysis has a systemic approach and its object of study is agri-food systems and specifically an approach is made to the chemical substances used for agricultural and livestock production (agrochemicals, antibiotics and growth regulators). Currently, residues are being detected in practically all food chains of various products, such as bread, cereals, vegetable oil, fruit juices, fruits, beer, wine, honey, eggs and others (Khazaal et al, 2022;Rivas-Garcia et al, 2022;Ambrus et al, 2023). These types of substances are used massively in practically all agri-food production processes.…”