Quantification and risk assessment of pesticide residues in Sultani seedless grapes: Implications for consumer safety

Pesticides are frequently used in viticulture to control various pests and diseases, but their residues can accumulate in grape products, raising concerns regarding consumer safety. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of 268 pesticide residues in Sultani seedless grapes produced in Turkey, with a particular focus on their potential implications for both acute and chronic health risks. Of the 473 grape samples analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, only 11 samples (2.3 %) were free from detectable pesticide residues. Pesticide residues at quantifiable levels were identified in 462 samples (97.7 %), and 52 of these samples exceeded the European Union Maximum Residue Levels. The most frequently recorded pesticides in grapes, with occurrence rates exceeding 50 %, were ametoctradin, metalaxyl, cyprodinil, pyrimethanil, spirotetramat, and fluopyram. Chronic dietary exposure assessments revealed that pesticide residues in grapes do not pose substantial health risks to both adults and children in Turkey, as hazard quotients remained well below critical thresholds. However, acute exposure risks for acetamiprid, emamectin benzoate, and lambda-cyhalothrin exceeded acceptable limits in a fraction of the samples, especially for children. These findings underscore the importance of enhanced pesticide monitoring and regulatory compliance to ensure consumer safety and promote the adoption of integrated pest management practices.