Quantitative Analysis of Multiclass Pesticide Residues in Spinach, Iran

Pesticide residues in agricultural crops, particularly vegetables, are a global concern due to their adverse impacts on human health. As spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is among the valuable leafy vegetables in the Iranian food basket, this survey was conducted to assess the presence of 108 pesticide residues (including organophosphorus, organochlorines, carbamates, dicarboximides, strobilurin, triazine, pyrethroids, etc.) in spinach samples, to ensure consumer safety. A total of 11 spinach samples were collected, during a ten-month period, from local markets of four different cities of Iran (Isfahan, Khash, Sari, and Karaj). Quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) technique was applied for sample pretreatment. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method was applied for quantification of multi-pesticide residues in spinach samples. The obtained findings displayed that all the pesticide residues in the samples were below the LODs, and also much lower than the MRLs (maximum residue limit) set by EU/Codex. The findings showed that spinach is in a good status in terms of pesticide residues. Nevertheless, a continuous screening program is highly recommended because of the persistent nature and toxicity of applied pesticides to human health, so that any inconsistency with the maximum residues limits standards can be identified immediately and relevant actions are taken.