Advancements and challenges in extraction and determination of pesticide residues in soya products

Soya beans, a vital source of protein, oil, and dietary fibre, are cultivated extensively, with a growing demand since 1950. However, the extensive use of pesticides in soya bean cultivation poses potential risks to human health and the environment, especially given the lack of strict regulations for maximum residue levels in soya-based products within the European Union. This study provides a comprehensive overview of isolation and determination methods of pesticide residues from soya products, emphasising the challenges posed by the high-fat content of soya beans. Various chromatographic techniques coupled with mass spectrometry are discussed for their efficacy in pesticide residues analysis. The manuscript also reviews sample preparation techniques, with a focus on the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method, and its modifications to enhance extraction and purification efficiency. Additionally, the study explores the application of liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction in the analysis of soya oil and beverages and innovative methods, such as dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and matrix solid-phase dispersion, for comprehensive pesticide residue analysis. This review highlights the importance of multiresidue analytical methods in ensuring the safety of soya products thereby supporting regulatory compliance and public health protection.