Surveillance of the Field-Incurred Pesticide Residues in Kinnow Mandarin and Evaluation of Acute, Chronic and Cumulative Exposure Risks to the Consumers

Abstract

Citrus fruits may serve as potential dietary exposure pathways to toxic levels of pesticides, with which they are treated. For possible protection of the consumers, pesticide residues in citrus fruits need strict and regular monitoring. This study aimed at investigating the pesticide residues status of the raw/fresh citrus fruits i.e. Kinnow Mandarin, along with evaluating exposure risks from the detected pesticides through Kinnow Mandarin consumption. Overall, 22.5% of the samples were non-complaint to the CAC-MRLs (Codex Alimentarius Commission’s established maximum residue limits) and 77.5% were exceeding the MRLs set by EU (European Union). Bifenthrin, with highest detection rate (53%), is a registered pyrethroid acaricide/insecticide for use on citrus fruits and is among the potential endocrine disrupting substances. The estimated acute/short-term (%aRfD) and chronic/long-term (%ADI) exposure values were in the range of 0.12–29.12% and 0.001–1.186%, respectively, not exceeding the hazard limit of 100% in any case. The cumulative toxicity evaluation performed for the detected neurotoxic pesticides belonging to pyrethroid, organophosphate and neonicotinoid group, indicated low potential long-term health risks from citrus fruits consumption. The results of the health risks’ estimations denote citrus fruits consumption a safer option for its consumers.