Results from the Egyptian monitoring programme and dietary risk assessment for pesticide residues in fruits during the period of 2018–2021

Abstract

A comprehensive nationwide surveillance study (2018–2021) analysed pesticide residues in 2,814 fruit samples collected from 20 Egyptian markets, focusing on apples, bananas, guava, lemons, mandarins, mangoes, and pears to evaluate contamination levels and assess potential dietary exposure risks. The QuEChERS protocol was utilised, followed by analyses using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS techniques. The results indicated that 51.6% of the samples contained detectable pesticide residues, with 24.8% exceeding Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Among the most frequently detected pesticides were cypermethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and chlorpyrifos, highlighting their extensive use in Egyptian fruit farming. The dietary exposure assessment revealed that none of the evaluated pesticides exceeded the 100% Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) threshold, confirming minimal chronic health risks under current consumption patterns. However, methamidophos (35% ADI), dimethoate (23% ADI), and fipronil (11.2% ADI) exhibited relatively elevated values, necessitating continued monitoring to mitigate long-term health effects. The findings underscore the importance of stricter regulatory enforcement, improved compliance with pre-harvest intervals, and promoting sustainable alternatives such as integrated pest management (IPM) and biopesticides. This study provides critical insights for policymakers, regulatory bodies, and the agricultural sector, reinforcing the need for continuous monitoring and risk assessment to ensure food safety and public health protection.