The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of acephate, carbaryl, carbendazim, chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, fenpropathrin, methamidophos and permethrin in conventionally and organically grown tomatoes from Espírito Santo, Brazil, between May 2012 and April 2013. QuEChERS sample preparation was used and analysis was performed by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS. The method validation showed good linearity (R > 0.99), precision (RSD < 13%) and accuracy (89 - 123%), and the limits of quantification were below 0.01 mg kg-1 for all pesticides. The pesticides acephate, carbaryl (0.23 mg kg-1; exceeding maximum residue levels), carbendazim, chlorpyriphos, dichlorvos, fenpropathrin (0.41 mg kg-1; exceeding maximum residue levels), methamidophos and permethrin (0.51 mg kg-1, exceeding maximum residue levels) were found in conventional tomatoes. In organic tomatoes, only one sample exhibited the presence of permethrin (0.21 mg kg-1). Considering that the pesticides found are toxic and carcinogenic, and given the high incidence of irregularities, it is important to implement government actions to ensure consumer safety.
Keywords
organophosphate; food contamination; pesticide residue; pyrethroid; QuEChERS
