# Occurrence, Dissipation and Risk Assessment of Widespread Pesticides and Their Metabolites in Pomegranates

## TL;DR

This study examines pesticide residues in pomegranates, finding that some pose low risk while others may endanger children when combined with other foods.

## Contribution

The study provides new data on pesticide dissipation in pomegranates and identifies risks to children from cumulative dietary exposure.

## Key findings

- Spinosad and dinotefuran dissipated quickly, while difenoconazole and prochloraz had longer half-lives.
- Pesticide residues were confined to peels and below China’s maximum residue limits.
- Children under 11 face unacceptable chronic exposure risks from cumulative dietary pesticide intake.

## Abstract

This study investigated the occurrence, dissipation, and dietary risks of four pesticides (difenoconazole (DIF), prochloraz (PRO), spinosad (SPI), dinotefuran (DIN)) and their metabolites in pomegranates through nationwide field trials across six Chinese production regions. Results indicated that SPI and DIN dissipated within 7–14 days, while DIF and PRO had longer half-lives (4.91–12.90 days). All pesticide residues remained confined to peels without penetrating arils. Terminal residues were below China’s MRLs. While deterministic and probabilistic risk assessments confirmed acceptable acute and chronic risks from pomegranate consumption alone (%ARfD: 0.09–17.66%; %ADI: 0.21–17.65%), comprehensive multi-crop dietary assessment revealed unacceptable chronic exposure risks for children aged under 11 years (%ADI: 56.1–155%). The non-carcinogenic risk (%HQ) for PRO from pomegranate consumption was 2.1–21.0%, indicating acceptable safety. The study provides data for safe pesticide use while highlighting the urgent need to protect vulnerable pediatric populations from cumulative pesticide exposure across multiple food sources.