How effective are common household preparations on removing pesticide residues from fruit and vegetables? A review

Abstract

Nowadays, the use of pesticides is inevitable for pest control in crops, especially for fruit and vegetables. After the harvest from raw agricultural commodities, the amount of pesticide residues in food is mainly influenced by the storage, handling and processing that follow. If good agricultural and good manufacturing practices are enforced effectively, the amount of pesticide residues would be brought below the corresponding maximum residue level. Thus, the consumption of raw and/or prepared fruit and vegetables would be safe. Nonetheless, reports regarding pesticide residues in fruit or vegetables on mass media have been worrying consumers, who are concerned about the adverse effects of pesticide residues. As a result, consumers perform household processing before consumption to reduce any related risks. However, can these preparations effectively remove pesticide residues? Reviewing the extensive literature, it showed that, in most cases, washing and soaking can only lead to a certain degree of reduction in residue level, while other processing such as peeling, soaking in chemical baths and blanching can reduce pesticide residues more effectively. In general, the behaviour of residues during processing can be rationalised in terms of the physico-chemical properties of the pesticide and the nature of the process. In contrast, the reported studies are diversified and some areas still lack sufficient studies to draw any remarks. Recommendations are provided with respect to the available information that aims to formulate an environmental friendly, cost-effective and efficient household processing of fruit and vegetables to reduce pesticide residues. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Environmental Health in Perinatal and Early Childhood: Awareness, Representation, Knowledge and Practice of Southern France Perinatal Health Professionals

“…The region is also at the crossroads of south-north traffic and is an agricultural centre. In addition, a rather large proportion of its population has low income and a low education level [ 28 ]. The impacts of toxicants tend to cluster in this population, thereby making it particularly vulnerable.…”

Cumulative dietary risk characterisation of pesticides that have acute effects on the nervous system

“…Peach, soaking: 16–17% residue dissipation), nectarines, washing soak 3 min then spray for 15 s: 26–32% residue dissipation) (Chung, )…”

“…The processing factors for peeling and washing are not considered for active substances where the mode of action is reported to be systemic. Based on this search, specific information relevant to the pesticide/commodity combinations identified as risk drivers were found only for chlorpyrifos in peach (soaking, 16-17% residue dissipation), nectarines (washing soak 3 min then spray for 15 s, 26-32% residue dissipation) and apples (washing, 17-21% residue dissipation) (Chung, 2018).…”

Decontamination of Microorganisms and Pesticides from Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: A Comprehensive Review from Common Household Processes to Modern Techniques

“…However, several investigations have proven this technique to be inadequate in the removal of indigenous as well as pathogenic organisms, and most water‐immiscible (hydrophobic) pesticides. Other common household processes such as peeling, boiling, and blanching have been extensively studied to evaluate their antimicrobial and pesticide dissipation properties (Bonnechère et al., ; Boulaid, Aguilera, Camacho, Soussi, & Valverde, ; Chung, ; Kaushik, Satya, & Naik, ; Radwan, Abu‐Elamayem, Shiboob, & Abdel‐Aal, ; Radwan, Shiboob, Abu‐Elamayem, & Abdel‐Aal, ; Randhawa, Anjum, Ahmed, & Randhawa, ; Walia, Boora, & Kumari, ). However, these procedures are deleterious to the inherent flavonoid, carotenoid, phytochemical, and micronutrient content of fruits and vegetables (Borowski, Narwojsz, Borowska, & Majewska, ; Davis & Williams, ; Turkmen, Sari, & Velioglu, ).…”