Simultaneous monitoring and dietary risk assessment of 386 pesticides in market samples of black tea. (15th September 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tripathy, Vandana; Sharma, Krishan Kumar; Gupta, Ruchi; Yadav, Rajbir; Devi, Suneeta; Sharma, Khushbu; Singh, Gitansh; Kalra, Shobhita; Aggarwal, Akanksha; Tandekar, Kesar; Verma, Ankita; Walia, Suresh
• Is Part Of: Food chemistry. Volume 420(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-09-15
• Subjects: Pesticide residue monitoring -- Tea -- QuEChERS -- Dietary risk assessment -- Hazard quotient/index; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; 664
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136103
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-8146

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Black tea samples from different local Indian markets were monitored. Residues of 17 pesticides were detected in tea samples. 279 samples were detected with pesticide residues while 28.97% samples were < LOQ. Propargite, cypermethrin, and novaluron were frequently detected pesticides. Risk assessment studies confirmed the safety of tea to Indian consumers. Abstract: Black tea samples (390) collected from local markets situated in different locations of India were monitored for the residues of 386 pesticides using QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) based extraction and analysis by gas and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS and LC–MS/MS). Residues of seventeen pesticides were detected, of which propargite, cypermethrin, and novaluron showed the highest % positive detections. A comparison of the concentrations of the detected pesticide residues with the available national and international maximum residue limits (MRLs) showed that seven samples exceeded the Indian MRLs while no sample was found to exceed the CODEX MRLs. The risk due to the detected pesticide levels evaluated in terms of hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) was found to be very low (<1), suggesting that the pesticide residues in the tea were safe for consumption by Indian adults and children.