Assessment of pesticide residues in vegetables commonly consumed in Chile and Mexico: Potential impacts for public health

Pesticides are contaminants that pose serious risks to human health and the environment worldwide; however, little information is available on the occurrence of pesticide residues in vegetables in either Chile or Mexico. This study evaluated the presence of 22 pesticide residues in vegetables sold at supermarkets and farmers markets in Chile and Mexico and estimated the dietary risk. A total of 101 samples collected from 2018 to 2019 were analyzed by the QuEChERS multiresidue method using gas chromatography with a triple-quadrupole mass detector (GC-MS/MS). Eleven pesticide residues (i.e., carbaryl, carbofuran, chlorothalonil, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, dimethoate, endosulfan alpha, endosulfan sulfate, lambda-cyhalothrin, methamidophos and monocrotophos) were quantified in chard, lettuce, green chili, tomato, and spinach. The total number and concentrations of these pesticides were greater in Mexico (10) than in Chile (3). Lambda-cyhalothrin was the most common residue in all Chilean and Mexican vegetables. Traces of carbofuran were detected in chard from Chile but not in chard from Mexico. High levels of dimethoate, chlorpyrifos, and methamidophos residues were found in Mexican spinach. Mean pesticide concentrations in Chile did not exceed the maximum residue limits. In Mexico, six pesticides exceeded the maximum residue limits of the European Union in nine conventional and five organically grown crops. However, the sum of the estimated daily intake (EDI) did not exceed the acceptable daily intake (ADI). Continuous monitoring programs and stricter regulations for pesticide residues in vegetables are needed to promote food safety and improve public health in both countries.