Exposure of several Belgian consumer groups to pesticide residues through fresh fruit and vegetable consumption

Abstract

The output of a pesticide surveillance program (detection frequency and number of exceeding measures) can lead to unnecessary concern among consumers since they lack information concerning the actual exposure. In this study, the exposure to pesticide residues through fruit and vegetable consumption is evaluated based on the 2008 surveillance data of the Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC).Results (deterministic and probabilistic approach) demonstrate that the chronic exposure of the adult population (>15 years) is generally under control, even at high or frequent consumption of fruit and vegetables. For most of the pesticide residues studied, the exposure is one hundred times lower than the 'acceptable daily intake' or ADI. With regard to children (2-5 years) who consume regularly or large amounts of fruit and vegetables, there are however, indications that for some pesticides the ADI can be exceeded. Nevertheless, due to the large uncertainty in these calculations, a more detailed study is required for this vulnerable group of consumers. In addition, it was demonstrated that washing and peeling of fruit and vegetables result in an exposure that is probably five to six times lower.

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

“…In Belgium, difenoconazole was the fifth pesticide most frequently found (Claeys et al, 2011), and tebuconazole and/or myclobutanil were the main triazoles detected in the European program (EFSA, 2010), in Canada (Ripley et al, 2000) and in Greek peaches (Danis et al, 2011). Fenpropatrin was the main pyrethroid compound found in the Brazilian monitoring program (3.4% of positive samples).…”

“…However, these compounds are toxic to humans at certain levels and their presence in the diet may be a health concern to humans (Bjørling- Poulsen, Andersen, & Grandjean, 2008;Breckenridge et al, 2009;CODEX, 2009;Mendes, Mendes, Cipullo, & Burdmann, 2005;Menegola, Broccia, Di Renzo, & Giavini, 2006;USEPA, 2001). In addition to providing data to assess whether the product is being applied to the crop according to the instructions on the approved labels (compliance with MRL), pesticide residue monitoring program data can also be used to assess the human health risk from exposure to pesticide through the diet (Claeys et al, 2011;Caldas & Souza, 2004;Jensen et al, 2009;Katz & Winter, 2009). Furthermore, the cumulative exposure to multiple residues with the same mechanism of action (organophosphate and carbamates, AChE inhibitors, and triazoles, sterol 14-demethylase inhibitors) can lead to unsafe intake of these compounds in the diet Caldas, Tresssou et al, 2006, EFSA, 2010USEPA, 2001).…”

Monitoring and dietary exposure assessment of pesticide residues in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) in Hainan, China

“…To determine if the human exposure or intake of a compound exceeds health safety limit, the toxicological endpoint values such as ADI and acute reference dose (ARfD) should be assessed. Such an analysis can show the residue concentration may be above the MRL without representing a risk to the consumer (Claeys et al, 2011). The consumer exposure is of concern if the EDI of a compound exceeds the ARfD or ADI (FAO, 2002).…”

Effect of household and industrial processing on levels of five pesticide residues and two degradation products in spinach

“…In 2008, the sales of plant protection products in agriculture were approximately 8073 tons of active ingredients in Belgium for 9776 tons in 2005 (Eurostat EC European Statistical Database, 2011;InterEnvironment Wallonie, 2011). The last census for EU15 was conducted in 2001 and gave results of 327 642 tons of active ingredients (Berrada, Fernandez, Ruiz, Molto, & Font, 2010;Claeys et al, 2011;Eurostat EC European Statistical Database, 2011). Pesticides are biologically active compounds.…”