Assessment of the Pesticide Residue Occurrence in Fruit from the South-Eastern Region of Poland During 2010-2011 Seasons

During the 2010-2011 seasons, analyses of 171 samples of fresh fruit from the south-eastern region of Poland were performed. The research program included the determination of 137 (in 2010) to 152 (in 2011) active substances, together with their metabolites and decomposition products. The analytical methods used in the research were gas chromatography (GC/ECD/NPD) and spectrophotometry (to determine residues of dithiocarbamates). The results were compared with Poland’s allowed maximum residue levels (MRLs).

Residues of active plant protection product substances were detected in 85 samples (50%), while 7 (4%) samples had exceeded the MRLs.

Violations of MRLs were mainly concerned with the following group of insecticides: cypermethrin (in black currant), esfenwalerate (in raspberry), and the fungicides: propiconazole, and difenoconazole (in gooseberries).