Survey of pesticide residues in baby foods (1999.4-2005.6)

Abstract

A survey of pesticide residues in 316 baby foods on the Tokyo market from April 1999 to June 2005 was carried out. Fifteen kinds of pesticides, including organophosphorus, organochlorine, carbamate, pyrethroid and others, were detected between at levels Tr (below 0.01 ppm) and 0.55 ppm from 28 samples. The baby foods in which residual pesticides were detected were produced from flour, leaf vegetable and fruits. The pesticides were detected in baby foods produced with minimal processing, such as straining and squeezing. For the baby foods containing pesticides, the amounts of intake of the pesticides were calculated from the recommended servings, and compared with the ADI values. Residual pesticide levels in baby food were between 0.06 and 16.6% of the ADI. Therefore, these foods should be safe in normal usage.