Occurrence and estimation of pesticide residues in edible minor crops in southeastern Poland in 2013-2014.

This paper presents the results of official control of pesticide residues in minor crops collected in southeastern Poland in 2013-2014. Compliance of used pesticides with applicable law was also verified, and determined residues were compared to maximum residue levels (MRLs) provided for in Regulation (EC) No. 395/2005. A total of 583 samples of 25 different types of fresh fruit and vegetables were analyzed for pesticide residues. Pesticide residues were detected in 158 samples (27.1 % of the analyzed samples). According to the European Commission Health & Consumer Protection Directorate-General (SANCO) guidelines document, MRL violations were understood as cases where a residue level exceeded the MRL after the uncertainty of the method (50 %) was considered. MRL violations were found in four samples. The usage of unauthorized pesticides was detected in 5.8 % of analyzed samples. Substances banned in Poland were found in two samples. Fungicides were the most frequently detected group of pesticides. Pesticide residues were most commonly found in fruit samples (19.4 % of all analyzed samples), mainly in gooseberry, redcurrant, and huckleberry. The majority of samples were compliant with MRLs, which means that they were suitable for trade.

Occurrence of pesticide residues in fruiting vegetables from production farms in south-eastern region of Poland

Background: Considering the fact that pesticides are commonly used in agriculture, continuous monitoring of these substances in food products is of great significance. Residues of these substances can be present in crops after harvest. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate presence of pesticide residues in fruiting vegetables from production farms in south-eastern region of Poland in 2012­2015. Material and methods: 138 samples were tested using accredited test methods. The monitoring programme covered determination of 242 pesticides. The tests covered tomato, cucumber and pepper crops. The test results were interpreted in accordance with criteria included in the European Commission recommendations published in the document SANCO/12571/2013 (now superseded by Document SANTE 2015), as well as on a basis of the maximum residue levels in force in the EU Member States. Results: Pesticide residues were found in 47 samples, representing 34% of all tested samples. 17 active substances were found, belonging to fungicides and insecticides. Azoxystrobin (38%), boscalid (28%) and chlorothalonil (21%) were most commonly found in fruiting vegetables testing samples. Non-compliances related to use of plant protection product not authorized for protection of a given crop were observed in 6% of analysed samples. However, pesticide residues of fruiting vegetables in quantities that exceed the maximum residue levels (NDP, ang. MRLs), as well as substances which use for plant protection is forbidden were no found. Conclusions: Crops monitoring is used to determine to what extent such products are contaminated with pesticide residues, and ensures protection of customer health.

Pesticide residues in raw agricultural products from the south-eastern region of Poland and the acute risk assessment.

BACKGROUND: The use of pesticide leads to the increase in quantity and quality of yields, but may also result in presence of toxic contaminants in food products. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate presence of pesticide residues in raw agricultural products from the south-eastern region of Poland, to verify their compliance with the maximum residue levels' (MRLs) as specified in the EU regulations concerning products present in the market, and to assess the acute risk related to consumption of these products. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples of raw agricultural products were obtained from production farms as a part of an official premarket monitoring of pesticide residues conducted on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, implemented in cooperation with the regional Inspectorates of Plant Health and Seed Inspection. The scheduled tests covered determination of 243 chemicals included in residue definitions for purposes of pesticide residues monitoring in or on food of plant origin (229 pesticides). RESULTS: In 2015, a total of 328 samples of raw commodities collected from the south-eastern region of Poland were analysed for the presence of pesticide residues. Pesticide residues were detected in 84 samples (25.6%), while in 7 samples (2.1%) they exceeded MRLs. Violations of MRLs concerned 2 samples of Peking Cabbage, 3 samples of dill, 1 sample of raspberry and 1 sample of spinach. The pesticide residues were most often found in: fruit (38.3% of all fruit samples), herbs (35.3%) and vegetables (20.0%). The assessed acute exposure did not exceed the 100% acute reference dose (ARfD) in any sample. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring of pesticide residues in the agricultural crops prevents penetration of products with MRLs exceeded or containing unacceptable pesticide residues into the market, thus protecting consumers' health. KEY WORDS: pesticide residues, agricultural products, risk assessment, multiresidue method.

Pesticide residues in fruit and vegetable crops from the central and eastern region of Poland.

BACKGROUND: Fruit and vegetables have health and nutritional value, but can also be a source of toxic contaminants such as pesticide residues. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate presence of pesticide residues in fruit and vegetable crops from the central and eastern region of Poland in order to check the compliance of these products with the maximum residue levels' (MRLs) requirements set in legal EU regulation for products present in the market. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples of fruit and vegetables were obtained from production farms as a part of an official premarket monitoring of pesticide residues conducted on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, implemented in cooperation with the regional Inspectorates of Plant Health and Seed Inspection. The tests covered determination of 207 pesticides. RESULTS: In 2014, a total of 317 samples of fruit and vegetables, collected from the central and eastern region of Poland, were analysed for the presence of pesticide residues. Pesticide residues were detected in 89 (28.1%) analysed samples: in 65 (38.2%) samples of fruit, and in 24 (16.3%) samples of vegetables. MRLs were exceeded in 2 samples (0.6%). Most often, the pesticide residues were found in gooseberry (100% of gooseberry samples) and apple (71.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring of pesticide residues in the agricultural crops at premarket stage should be continued to prevent market from the penetration by products with non-acceptable residues of pesticides and to protect consumers against excessive exposure to pesticide residues.

Pesticide residues in stone fruits from the south-eastern region of Poland in 2012-2104.

BACKGROUND: Peaches, sour cherries, nectarines, apricots, plums and cherries are fruit commonly known as "stone fruit". Their nutritional properties namely, vitamins, minerals, fiber and numerous microelements, make them a very important component of human diet. As fruit trees can be attacked by numerous diseases and pests, chemical protection of these crops is used. Therefore, it is important that the relevant governmental agencies or institutions ensure correct application of pesticides. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of pesticide residues in stone fruits south-eastern region of Poland in 2012-2014 in order to provide data to estimate health risk to consumers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Validated analytical methods based on liquid / liquid extraction coupled with gas chromatography with electron capture and nitrogen phosphorus detection (GC-ECD/NPD) and spectrophotometry (dithiocarbamates residues) were used for the analysis. 92 samples of stone fruits were tested for the presence of pesticide residues. RESULTS: 13 of all samples (14%) contained pesticide residues. 7 active substances were detected, including 5 fungicides: boscalide, bupirimate, difenoconazole, dithiocarbamates and captan, and 2 insecticides: cypermethrin and pirimicarb. In the analysed samples, the use of not recommended plant protection products in orchard crops were found. However, neither maximum residue levels (MRLs) recommended by the Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 were exceeded nor pesticides being unapproved by the Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 detected in the analysed samples. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of plant protection products for control specific diseases or pests in crops results in the use of formulations not recommended for use in certain orchard crops. On a basis of results reported in previous years it can be concluded that occurrence of pesticide residues in stone fruit samples dropped significantly.

[Occurrence of pesticide residues in raspberries in 2000-2005]. / Wystepowanie pozostalosci pestycydów w malinach w latach 2000-2005.

The aim of this paper was to present occurrence of pesticide residues in raspberries in 2000-2005. Gas chromatographic and spectroscopy methods were used. The most frequently found were tolylfluanid residues (43% of the analysed samples), procymidone residues (33%), pyrimethanil residues (15%), ethylenebisdithiocarbamates (EBDC) residues (8%) and iprodione residues (5%), while insecticides (mainly synthetic pyrethroids) cypermethrin residues (6%) and bifenthrin (4%). In 8 % of analysed samples EBDC residues exceeded the national Maximum Residue Level established for raspberries. On relatively the highest level EBDC occurred.

[Occurrence of some pesticides residues in peppermint Mentha piperita L. in 2003-2005]. / Wystepowanie pozostalosci niektórych pestycydów w miecie pieprzowej Mentha piperita L. w latach 2003-2005.

The aim of this paper was to present occurrence of pesticides residues in peppermint Mentha Piperita in 2003-2005 and to estimate of their intakes by consumer. Gas chromatographic and spectroscopy methods were used. The most frequently found were chlorpyrifos residues (16% analysed samples) followed by terbacil (11%), dithiocarbamates (10%) and diazinon (5%). Residues in 14% analysed samples exceeded the European Union Maximum Residue Levels established for tea. Assuming consumption of peppermint on the level of 4.5 g (three bags) per day, short-term intake by adult and child consumer was a few times lower then Acceptable Daily Intake.