Chlorinated pesticide residues in the total diet of Kuwait

Total diet of Kuwait was assessed for the residues of chlorinated pesticides. 140 core samples along with 90 additional samples (collected during 1995–96) were analyzed following US FDA multiresidue procedures. The results showed that 17.6% of the core samples contained detectable residues. Chlorpyrifos-methyl was present (ranging from 0.05 to 0.72 mg/kg) in most of the positive samples. Wheat flour was the single important source of this residue in the diet. Residues of chlorpyrifos, vinclozolin, procymidon and captan were also detected in some fresh fruits and vegetable. In general, residue levels were quite low and were significantly below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established for these pesticides in food.