Rapid determination of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables, using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A multiresidue method, based on the sample preparation by solid-phase extraction cartridges and detection by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/TOF–MS), was used for the analysis of 60 pesticides in vegetable and fruit samples. Quantitation by UHPLC/TOF–MS is accomplished by measuring the accurate mass of the protonated molecules [M+H]+. The mass accuracy typically obtained is routinely better than 2 ppm. The rates of recovery for pesticides studied were satisfactory, ranging from 74% to 111% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 13.2%, at concentrations below 10 μg kg−1. The method limit of quantification (MLOQ) for most compounds was below the MRLs established by the Food Safety Standard Authority of India and the European Union. The uncertainty was determined using repeatability, recovery and calibration curves data for each pesticide. The method illustrated is suitable for routine quantitative analyses of pesticides in food samples.