Survey of pesticide and pesticide metabolite residues in strawberries marketed in Uruguay

Strawberries are consumed worldwide mostly as fresh fruits. During strawberry cultivation, a wide scope of pesticides, primarily fungicides, is used to prevent pest attacks. Aiming to check the safety of strawberries in Uruguay, a first monitoring program (20192023) of pesticide and pesticide metabolite residues was conducted. A validated QuEChERS CEN 15662 allowed the LC-MS/MS determination of 41 compounds and the screening of 13 of the most relevant pesticide metabolites. Fifty-eight commercial samples were analyzed; on average four compounds per sample were quantified. The range of concentration was 0.005 to 5 mg kg-1. Seven compounds: carbendazim, chlorpyrifos, cyproconazole, iprodione, prochloraz, pyriproxyfen and propamocarb, consistently exceeded their Maximum Residue Levels according to the European Union. The presence of chlorpyrifos, cyproconazole, prochloraz and pyriproxyfen indicates improper use. Fungicides were the most frequently detected pesticides. The main cyprodinil metabolite, CGA304075, was detected in 61% of cyprodinil-positive samples, without any violation. This study highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and rigorous regulatory controls to ensure the safety of strawberry consumption in Uruguay.