Survey of Pesticide Residues in Imported Spices and Herbs (1997.4^|^ndash;2011.3)

Abstract

A survey of pesticide residues in 313 samples of imported spices and herbs on the Tokyo market from April 1997 to March 2011 was carried out. Thirty-seven kinds of pesticides, including organophosphorus, organochlorine, pyrethroid, carbamate and others, were detected between levels of trace below 0.01 ppm and 3.3 ppm from 64 samples. The rate of detection was highest in peel 100 followed by stem 66.7 , fruit 34.5 , bark 33.3 , flower 31.3 and leaf 14.7 . No residues were detected in root, seed or whole grass. Organochlorine pesticides were detected in all plant parts. The insecticides were detected in products from all production areas, suggesting that their use is common. Residue levels of these pesticides were calculated as less than 1 of their ADI values, based on the daily intake of spices and herbs. Therefore, these spices and herbs should be safe when consumed in customary amounts.