Evaluation of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables from the region of south-eastern Poland

Abstract According to the World Health Organization, consumption of fruit and vegetables in Europe constituted over 30% of consumer diet. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. Besides their nutrient value, these products can be a source of toxic substances i.e. pesticide residues. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of pesticide residues in Polish fruits and vegetables and to assess if these residues pose a risk to the health of the consumer. Furthermore, compliance with legal regulations concerning the use of plant protection products in crop cultivation was ascertained. In 2010–2012, 1026 unprocessed samples of fruits and vegetables were analysed. Pesticide residues were found in 376 samples (36.6% of tested samples). In 18 samples (1.8%), residues exceeded Maximum Residue Limits. In 28 (2.7%) samples, substances not recommended for a given crop were detected. The highest values of long-term exposure were found for dimethoate residue in apples (1.7% ADI, adults; 6.8% ADI, children). For most detected pesticides, long-term exposures were below the values of 1% ADI for adults and 3% ADI for children. The highest values of short-term exposure were obtained in the case of consumption of apples with azoxystrobin (4.5% ARfD, adults; 13.3% ARfD, children).