Analysis and Risk Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Strawberry Using the PRIMo Model: Detection, Public Health and Safety Implications

TL;DR

This study assesses pesticide residues in strawberries from Southern Italy and concludes that health risks are low, though sustainable practices are recommended.

Contribution

The novel use of the EFSA PRIMo model to assess dietary risk for toddlers based on real-world pesticide residue data in strawberries.

Findings

Thirty-one pesticides were detected in strawberry samples, with fungicides being the most prevalent.

Dietary risk assessment showed acute and chronic exposures below toxicological thresholds for toddlers.

Cumulative exposure and occasional MRL exceedances highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and sustainable practices.

Abstract

Strawberries are among the most consumed fruits in Europe, but intensive cultivation requires frequent pesticide use, raising food safety concerns. This study evaluated pesticide residues and dietary risk in strawberries from the Agro Aversano area (Southern Italy). A total of 83 samples collected in 2023–2024 were analyzed using a validated QuEChERS-LC–MS/MS method targeting 850 active substances. Thirty-one pesticides were detected, predominantly fungicides, followed by acaricides and insecticides. Cyflumetofen and pyrimethanil were the most frequent residues, while compounds with low toxicological thresholds, including emamectin benzoate, lambda-cyhalothrin, acetamiprid, and tetraconazole, were also identified. Dietary risk assessment was conducted with the EFSA PRIMo model (v.3.1), focusing on the NL toddler subgroup. Despite occasional exceedances of European Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), both acute and chronic exposures remained well below toxicological reference values (ADI and ARfD). Overall, the results indicate negligible health risks but highlight the relevance of cumulative exposure, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and sustainable pest management practices to ensure strawberry safety.

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