Insecticide residues in total diet samples in Punjab, India

Total diet samples, collected every 3 months during a period of 1 year, were analysed for DDT and BHC residues. The food items were purchased from retailers, prepared for eating according to local practices and divided into several food groups. The results show that average dietary exposure to DDT and BHC residues was, respectively, 239 (range: 124-288) and 125 (range: 68-268) micrograms person-1 day-1 for vegetarians, and 225 (range: 138-263) and 134 (range: 63-280) micrograms person-1 day-1 for non-vegetarians. These dietary intake values are much higher than those reported from developed countries. Fatty food groups (milk and milk products, oils and fats, meat and eggs or cheese) were responsible for approximately 85% of the total DDT intake, while BHC residues were distributed more evenly in various food groups. The observed DDT intake is close to its acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 300 micrograms person-1 day-1 for a man weighing 60 kg. No ADI value for BHC residues is available.