Pesticide residues in tomatoes from different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan in 2023 and 2024

A selective and robust analytical method based on BS EN 15,662:2008 extraction coupled with LC-MS/MS analysis was used to determine 72 multiclass pesticides simultaneously in tomatoes. Method accuracy ranged from 70-120%, with standard deviations ranging from 0.85% to 19.9%. The limits of detection and quantification ranged from 0.005 to 1.39 mg/kg and 0.01 to 4.17 mg/kg, respectively. A survey of pesticide residues in tomatoes from different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan was performed and overall, 25 out of 113 (22%) samples contained 13 different pesticides. Tomato samples from Punjab province contained more pesticides when compared to other areas of Pakistan. Fungicides azoxystrobin and tebuconazole were the most frequently detected pesticides. Two tomato samples were non-compliant with the European Union legislation, while one sample was non-compliant with Codex Alimentarius MRLs. For the general population, acute and chronic health risks associated with the consumption of tomatoes containing pesticides were insignificant.