Residue Levels and Risk Assessment of Pesticides in Pistachio Nuts in Iran

Background: Pistachio is one of the main nutrients, not only as a strategic crop but also as a main type of nut, in Iranians’ food cycle. The aim of this study was to measure the relative safety of Iranian pistachio based on the standard pesticides residue limits, which should be monitored and assessed in the cultivation of pistachio in order to confirm its public health. Methods: Fifty samples of pistachios of different brands were collected from Tehran markets in 2015. QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) sampling method was used in order to determine the pesticides residue in the pistachio nuts by Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry (GC/MS).The method was validated with related parameters. Recovery took place at five concentration rates (n=3) ranging from 81.40% to 93.08% with the majority of RelativeStandard Deviation being lower than 20%. Limits of detection and quantification for all the pesticides were 2μg/kg and10μg/kg, respectively. The validated method seemed to be appropriate for the analysis of pesticides residue in pistachio nuts. The pesticides residue was analyzed in 50 pistachio samples obtained from different markets. Results: Identified pesticides included fenitrothion, carbaryl and diazinon. Detectable pesticides residue existed in 10% (5 samples) of the samples. Conclusion: All the results were compared with the Irans National Standards and the European Maximum Residue Limits. As compared to the acceptable daily intake, the calculated daily intake of each pesticide was much lower than the standard level, which could not cause any public health problem.