Determination of benfuracarb residues in plant-derived foods using a modified QuEChERS method with UHPLC-MS/MS

An UHPLC-MS/MS method, combined with QuEChERS sample preparation, was developed and validated for the quantification of benfuracarb residues in 43 plant-derived foods. Silver nitrate (AgNO₃) solution was used as a protective agent, and an ammonia-ammonium chloride buffer solution (ACS) was employed to neutralize the pH in acidic samples. Calibration curves demonstrated excellent linearity (R > 0.9977) over the concentration range of 5-250 μg/kg. Recoveries of benfuracarb ranged from 80.67 to 113.33%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.97-11.02%. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.01-0.93 μg/kg and 0.04-3.11 μg/kg, respectively. Cross-validation in six independent laboratories yielded recoveries of 78.3-106% and RSDs below 11%. The method was applied to analyze 50 plant-derived food samples, all containing pesticide residues below the established maximum residue limits (MRLs). These results confirm the method is accurate, sensitive, and universal for benfuracarb detection in plant-derived foods, with good stability, transferability, and suitability for routine monitoring.