MULTIRESIDUE DETERMINATION OF PESTICIDES IN EXOTIC FRUITS: A REVIEW OF THE ANALYTICAL STRATEGIES AND RESIDUE OCCURRENCE

Abstract

The growing awareness of health and well-being has led to increased consumption of healthy foods, such as exotic fruits, owing to their high nutritional value and global availability. However, the production and trade of exotic fruit presents significant challenges, particularly with regard to increasing supply and ensuring food safety concerning pesticide residues. This review examines modern analytical strategies employed to determine pesticide residues in exotic fruits. It is evident from the literature that ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography techniques, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, remain the methods of choice for determining pesticide residues. For sample preparation, the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method, renowned for its simplicity and efficiency, is extensively utilized in its original form as well as in acetate, citrate, and other modified versions to enhance its effectiveness. Developing these analytical methods is crucial for ensuring the safety of exotic fruits, protecting consumer health, and facilitating exports to global markets. Further advancements in this field are essential to overcome the challenges posed by producing and trading exotic fruits, thereby promoting food safety and public health. This review also discusses the occurrence of pesticides in exotic fruits.

Keywords

• fruit
• pesticides
• sample preparation
• QuEChERS
• chromatography