Leverage Modern Analytical Methods and Instrumentation to Protect Consumers from Pesticide Residues

101830_15794754_XL2Considering the current level of extensive international food trade, food safety has become a significant global issue. Many people are increasingly concerned about chemical residues in their foods. Hundreds of pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, are among the most hazardous chemical compounds extensively applied in agriculture to increase food production. They are intended for destroying and controlling pests, weeds or plant diseases. Pesticide application is strictly regulated to protect consumers and the environment. However, the misuse of pesticides, lack of good agricultural management and/or cross-contamination during food processing, storage or transportation may result in unwanted or even illegal pesticide residues in foods. Some compounds, such as polychlorinated pesticides, have been banned for crop use but they are still present in the environment due to their long-term persistence and can bioaccumulate in the food chain. There is evidence that chronic exposure to pesticides can cause health risks to humans even at trace concentrations, for instance having adverse effects on endocrine system or causing behavior modification. Continue reading