Persistent organochlorine pesticide residues in cocoa beans from Ghana, a concern for public health

Abstract

Background: Residual levels of fifteen (15) organochlorine pesticides were determined in 32 cocoa bean samples collected from sixteen (16) selected cocoa farms in the Dormaa West District of Ghana to assess the levels of pesticides contamination. Results:The results show that all cocoa bean samples analysed from the study area had one or more organochlorine pesticide residues detected in them. The study revealed the presence of eight organochlorine pesticide residues in the cocoa bean samples analysed at varying concentrations. The organochlorine pesticide residues detected were aldrin (0.02-0.03 mg/kg), dieldrin (0.02-0.04 mg/kg), lindane (0.03-0.05 mg/kg), beta-HCH (0.02-0.03 mg/kg), p,p'-DDE (0.02-0.03 mg/kg), p,p'-DDD (0.02-0.04 mg/kg), p,p'-DDT (0.04-0.05 mg/kg) and methoxychlor (0.02-0.04 mg/kg). The most frequently found and abundant pesticide residue was the metabolite of DDT (p,p'-DDT) which occurred in 62.5 % of the samples, followed by lindane (56.3 %) and then beta-HCH and p,p'-DDD occurring in 50 % of the samples. None of the detected pesticide mean residues recorded from the various study sites exceeded their European Union (EU) Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for cocoa beans except beta-HCH at Krakrom (S3). Conclusion: The levels of organochlorine pesticide residues in the fermented dried cocoa beans analysed compared to the European Union (EU) commission regulations on pesticide residues showed no health risks to consumers of cocoa beans from Ghana and no threat to cocoa export to Europe. The occurrence of organochlorine pesticide residues in the samples analysed could be due to their illegal use by farmers in the study area or due to their past use, since these chemicals are prohibited from agricultural use in Ghana. There should be regular monitoring of pesticide residues especially in cocoa beans to protect consumers from health related risks. There is a need to check and enforce regulations on the use of banned/restricted and unapproved pesticides in cocoa production in Ghana.

Persistent Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Some Selected Cocoa Beverages in Nigeria

“…Presence of BHCs has been reported in Nigeria cocoa farms [9,19],which suggests the previous use of technical BHC in Nigerian cocoa production. The results of lindane in this study were within the levels reported by Frimpong et al [20] and Okoffo et al [21], while Oyekunle et al [16] showed higher levels. The measured concentrations of lindane were far below the European Union (EU) Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) of 1.0 mg/kg.…”

Pesticide residues in water, sediment and fish from Tono Reservoir and their health risk implications

“…Predominant pesticides used in the area are endosulfan and chlorpyrifos which are supervised and regulated by the irrigation authorities (Ntow 2008). Some farmers also obtain cheap but effective pesticides from neighboring countries such as Togo and Burkina Faso which are not approved by the by EPA, Ghana, the pesticides regulating authority (Okoffo et al 2016). The dam has a maximum storage capacity of about 5.0 × 10 5 m 3 (Pelig-Ba 2011).…”

Presence of organochlorine pesticides in xoconostle (Opuntia joconostle) in the central region of Mexico

“…Considering Mexico, Pérez et al (2013) showed that even though several harmful pesticides have been banned, while some are authorized for use despite being prohibited in many countries. There are reports of a number of obsolete products in use or being stored inappropriately that pose risks to the environment further of inadequate regulation and management, trade, weak enforcement of bans on pesticides importation, illegal use/application and lack of logistics to monitor these pesticides (Okoffo et al, 2016). The presence of pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits is frequent, being reported in over 50% of the samples tested in national monitoring and in products exported to the United States in specific studies.…”

“…The presence of organochlorine pesticides in agricultural crops and processed foods also indicates the need for improving residue control at production, tighter regulation of pesticide spraying, and also tighter regulation in the sale of pesticides, as well as for education of farmers and the implementation of integrate pest management methods. Nevertheless, monitoring programs are increasingly important and essential to ensure minimal pesticide residue levels in food (Narayan et al 2012;Wang et al, 2013;Okoffo et al, 2016).…”