Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Avocado Sample Preparation Using the QuEChERS Method with Ammonium Formate for Pesticide Analysis
Published on: December 8, 2023
Pesticide Residues in Foods in Ghana: A Systematic Review
Wisdom K Ahiabor1, Eric S Donkor1
1Department of Medical Microbiology University of Ghana Medical School Accra Ghana.
Background And Aim:
Pesticide use has surged globally to enhance agricultural productivity. However, this reliance, particularly in developing countries like Ghana, has raised concerns about pesticide residues in foods and their potential health impacts on the population. Exposure to pesticide residueshas been linked to acute poisoning, cancers, and neurological disorders, and is estimated to contribute to about 200,000 deaths globally each year. These risks reinforce the need for responsible pesticide use, robust regulatory frameworks, and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate food contamination and protect public health. This systematic review aimed to consolidate existing research on pesticide residues in foods in Ghana, identify contamination trends and inform strategies to enhance food safety.
Methods:
This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A thorough search of peer-reviewed databases (PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus) and a complementary search in Google Scholar was conducted using keywords related to pesticide residues in food. Studies that met our predefined inclusion criteria were selected, and data were systematically extracted and analyzed to synthesize the findings.
Result:
This review included 25 studies published from 2001 to 2024, analyzing 2729 food samples. Pesticide residues were detected in 83.3% of the food samples analyzed. A total of 50 unique pesticide residues were identified, comprising 21 organochlorines, 19 organophosphates, 9 pyrethroids, and 1 phthalimide. The most frequently detected organochlorines were DDT with its isomers and metabolites. Chlorpyrifos was the most detected organophosphate, and cypermethrin was the most identified pyrethroid.
Conclusion:
This systematic review provided a detailed overview of pesticide residues in foods in Ghana, revealing high levels of pesticide presence that pose significant public health risks. These findings highlight the need for strengthened regulatory measures and improved agricultural practices to mitigate the risk posed by these residues.
Related Concept Videos
Types of Toxins
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Microorganisms in Agriculture and Food industry

