Factors controlling the fate of pyrethroids residues during post-harvest processing of raw agricultural crops: An overview

Abstract

Control of residual levels of synthetic pyrethroids in fresh fruits and vegetables as well as in foodstuff made of fresh agricultural produces is of utmost importance. Apart from the need to more control on application of pesticides by farmers, simple and effective postharvest practices by consumers and/or manufacturers usually applied to produces before consumption may enhance food safety from potentially harmful pesticide residues. The present review discusses the underline factors that control the effectiveness of crops postharvest treatments and the possible mechanisms of loss of pesticides during food processing. It is shown that the effectiveness of postharvest processes is controlled by various factors and that understanding such factors is essential for more control of residual pesticides. Though postharvest processes may lead to substantial reduction of residual pesticides, metabolites of broken pesticides are of great concern.

Keywords: Pesticides; Postharvest food processing; Pyrethroids; Residual analysis.