Evaluation of Critical Pesticide Residues in Local and Imported Food Samples in Bahrain

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the levels of pesticide residues in different food commodities in Bahrain and to use it as a reference for future monitoring. A retrospective review of all the foods tested in the public health laboratory between 2015 and 2019 was conducted. The 522 commodities included vegetables from local farms, imported fruit and vegetables, imported spices, locally manufactured spices, and other imported food commodities. Seventy-six types of pesticides were detected, of which 76.3% were organophosphates and 23.7% were organochlorines. Pesticide residues were detected in 34% of the samples, 31% of the detected samples were from local food commodities, while 69% were imported. Among the positive samples, 19% were vegetables and fruits, 59% were spices, and 22% were others. Only 9% of the samples detected did not meet national standards. The highest pesticide residues were Myclobutanil (26%) and Azoxystrobin and Myclobutanil (8%). There is an increased need to routinely test and monitor pesticide residues in local crops in collaboration with the concerned authorities.