Antifungal residues analysis in various Romanian honey samples analysis by high resolution mass spectrometry

Given that the pesticide and fungicide residues determination in honey is not a routine analysis in Romania, information on these emerging contaminants is useful for consumer's safety. High resolution mass spectrometry technique was applied by Q-Exactive Orbitrap LC-MS/MS to identify and quantify environmental contaminants in honey. A list of 25 compounds, biocides and antifungals was selected for the method development, based on the occurrence in the Romanian environment and their potential usage in agriculture. The method was applied for 18 various honey samples collected in different geographic regions of Romania. Eleven compounds were present in the honey samples: carbendazim, enilconazole, hexaconazole, penconazole, tebuconazole, flusilazole, thiabendazole, terconazole, cyproconazole, propiconazole, metalaxyl. Targeted MS/MS analyses were performed for confirmation. The measured quantities ranged from 1.7-7.2 μg kg^-1, lower than MRLs established by the legislation. The most abundant compound was enilconazole (imazalil), which was detected in fourteen samples. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first one concerning antifungal contamination of honey in Romania. The results proved that the tested honey samples are safe for human consumption.