Monitoring and Safety Assessment of Pesticide Residues on Agricultural Products Sold via Online Websites

This study was carried out to monitor the current status of pesticide residues in selling agricultural products via online and assessed their safety in 2014. A total of 124 samples were purchased six times from March to August 2014 twenty online shopping malls randomly. These samples were analysed 208 pesticides by multiresidue method using a GC-ECD/NPD and a LC-MS/MS and confirmed by a GC-MSD. As a result of analysis, residual pesticides samples were 11 (8.9%) such as leek, young radish, welsh onion etc, of which 2 samples (1.6%) such as sesame bud (Chlorothalonil), artemisia (Chlorpyrifos) were violated Korea Maximum Residue limits (MRLs). 11 kinds of pesticides (19 times) were detected in 11 samples. Risk assessment evaluated human health exposure with the ratio of EDI (Estimated daily intake) to ADI (Acceptable daily intake) of pesticides detected. %ADI (the ratios of EDI to ADI) were 0.04~95.70% and some samples represented a fairly dangerous levels. In particular, Chlorothalonil in the sesame bud was shown as a significant risk close to 100% of %ADI. Accordingly, it is recommended to strengthen a safety check on agricultural products in online sales.