Safety Assessment of Chlorantraniliprole and Methoxyfenozide in Maize: Residue Analysis, Dietary Risk Evaluation, and Estimation of Residues in Animal-Derived Products

Abstract

Field experiments conducted across 12 experimental plots evaluated the application feasibility of chlorantraniliprole and methoxyfenozide in maize cultivation systems. The recovery rates of two pesticides in maize matrices ranged from 95% to 106%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 1%–7%. Analytical results demonstrated that residual concentrations of both pesticides in maize kernels and fresh maize samples remained below the limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.02 mg kg⁻¹ during both 28-day and 35-day harvest intervals under field conditions. Dietary risk assessments demonstrated distinct exposure profiles: chlorantraniliprole exhibited long-term exposure risks of 0.1%–2.3% across domestic and international models, while methoxyfenozide showed higher quotients (0.9%–17.9%). Comprehensive livestock dietary burden calculations indicated that estimated maximum residue levels (EMRLs) for both compounds in animal-derived products including milk, muscle tissue, liver, kidney, and fat showed significant safety margins. All EMRL values were substantially lower than established maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by major regulatory bodies: the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS), and European Union (EU) regulations.