PilotaŻowe badania pozostałości pestycydów w wybranych świeżych ziołach i warzywach przyprawowych zakupionych w krajowych supermarketach

Abstract

There is an increase in the consumer interest in seasoning dishes with fresh herbs, which are consumed not only for their flavour but, also, because of their health benefits. It was considered advisable to carry out a pilot assessment study on some selected fresh herbs and seasoning vegetables purchased in internal supermarkets by determining the range of quality of pesticide residues in terms of their acceptability and content with respect to the set values of MRLs (Maximum Residue Levels). Samples of basil, dill, parsley, chives, lemon balm, lovage, coriander, and mint were analyzed using chromatography in a laboratory in the Polish Centre for Accreditation. It was shown that 91.7 % of the samples contained residues of plant protection agents; furthermore, in two samples, the content of those residues was reported to exceed MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) and the use of pesticides was found to be incompatible with the legal regulations in force. This fact suggests the indispensability of consistent monitoring of pesticide residues in plant-based foods, particularly in fresh herbs and seasoning vegetables. In order to draw more detailed conclusions as well as to determine the correlation between the occurrence of a given pesticide and the species of fresh herb, and the place of purchasing it, it is essential to carry on further studies using a larger quantity of samples. It is particularly important to conduct this type of research studies in view of the consumer health safety. It seems, however, that the benefits resulting from consuming usual quantities of fresh herbs are more important than the risk posed by their contamination with pesticide residues (at the level as shown in the authors’ own studies).