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Monitoring of pesticide residues in honey, olive oil, and soil samples colected as part of project “Center for Food Safety” – preliminary results

During the 4 years of the project, samples were collected in different parts of Croatia. In the project, samples of honey, olive oil, meat, cheese, soil, and water were collected, while samples of honey, olive oil, meat, cheese and soil were analysed for pesticide residues. For the preparation of samples, the QuEChERS method was utilized for the honey and olive oil samples and a modified version for the soil samples. A gas chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer (GC-MS/ MS) Shimadzu TQ-8050NX and a liquid chromatograph tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) Agilent 1260 Infinity II were used to conduct analyses of pesticide residue. Over 600 active chemicals were examined in a combined 150 honey samples, 200 olive oil samples, and 200 soil samples. It was discovered that certain honey samples contain the unapproved chemical coumaphos while pesticide residues were being monitored. Coumaphos tends to gather in wax, where it stays for a while and then gradually transitions into honey. The oil samples contained a variety of pesticide residues, some of which are illegal to use in the EU (such as chlorpyrifos) and others whose concentrations are over the Maximum Residue Level (MRL). Farmers’ continued usage of outdated supplies is tied to the use of prohibited plant protection products. Farmers are able to buy and use pesticides that have not been approved in Croatia’s neighbouring countries. Pesticide residual levels in all soil samples were below the quantifiable limit (LOQ). The results of this research point to the need for increased monitoring and control of food products for pesticide residues. Acknowledgements: This work was carried out within the project “Food Safety and Quality Center” (KK.01.1.1.02.0004). The project is co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund.

chlorpyrifos ; coumaphos ; GC-MS/MS ; LC-MS/MS ; QuEChERS

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