Quantitative determination of Paraquat in apples of Gala, Fuji, Argentina and Verde types

Introduction: Brazil is one of the world leaders in consumption of agrochemicals, generating billions of reais/year and this fact is increasing. The herbicide Paraquat has a highly hydrophilic molecule and it is used in the control of weeds in many types of plantations. Objective: To determine the presence and content of Paraquat in apples using the following types from the national market: Gala, Fuji, Argentina and Verde, with or without peel and to analyze the residual Paraquat content according to the Brazilian and European legislation. Method: An adapted methodology (UV/VIS spectrophotometer) was used in apples' types with or without peel. Results: Considering the studied types of apples, although Paraquat was present in all of them, only the Verde and Gala types would be approved by European regulations. Argentina type would be approved only by the limits stated by Anvisa and Fuji type would not be approved by none of the regulations. Conclusions: There is a need for constant inspection by analyzing the content of pesticides in food as well as legislation that establishes mandatory information about the type of agrochemical used and the corresponding residual limit allowed.