Abstract:

This study assessed the pesticides and health risks used in tomatoes grown in the Mediterranean region. Examples of tomatoes were collected from 30 farmers in the region. The remains of pesticides have been detected by the liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS). In 74% of the samples, pesticide remains were uncovered; in 18% dimethoate was found with an average of 3,289 mg kg-1, chlorpyrifos 3.528 mg kg-1 and endosulfan 2,854 mgkg-1. In only 4 samples, amounts above the detectable level (LOQ) were detected in the range of methomyl 0.487-0.687 mg kg-1 and acetamiprid 0.584-0.682 mg kg-1. However, these values are below the Turkish Food Code (TGK) and the European Union (EU) Maximum Rest Limit (MRL) values. In order to protect public health from pesticides, it is recommended that good agricultural practices are spread for the use of pesticides and access to reliable food.

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