Risk Assessment and Ranking of Pesticide Residues in Xinjiang Apricot

In order to clarify the types and risk levels of residual pesticides in Xinjiang apricots, in this study, 77 samples from six major apricot producing areas of Xinjiang in 2021 and 2022 were selected as the research objects. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to quantitatively analyze 99 kinds of pesticides in apricot, and acute and chronic dietary intake risks of pesticide residues in apricot were calculated and sorted. For the maximum residual limited pesticides detected in apricot, the recommended value of maximum residual limit was put forward. The results of the study showed that the detection rate of pesticide residues in Xinjiang apricot sample was 96.1%, and there were 23 pesticide residues in total, of which carbendazim, acetamiprid, and cyhalothrin had relatively high detection rates. The risk of acute and chronic dietary intake of residual pesticides was at acceptable levels. According to the order of pesticide risk assessment, four pesticides were identified as high risk pesticides, namely, carbofuran, phorate, emamectin benzoate, and triazophos, with risk scores of 25.3, 25.1, 20.2, and 20.1 respectively. There were no high risk samples in 77 samples, mainly low risk and very low risk samples. Of the pesticides detected, 10 had not yet been established maximum residue limits. Based on the comprehensive analysis, it iwas recommended to prioritize the maximum limit values of three residual pesticides, namely, tebufenozide, emamectin benzoate, and triazophos, and the recommended values were 6, 0.1, and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively. It can be seen that the quality and safety of Xinjiang apricot is generally good, and it is suggested to improve the maximum limit value of pesticides which is commonly used in apricot without pesticide residue.