Investigação da presença de agrotóxicos em milho para o consumo humano

Abstract

Corn is one of the agricultural crops with high demand worldwide, economic and industrial potential, since it is a cereal widely used as the basis of food for the population and globally in its raw form or in its by-products. It is a food rich in protein and carbohydrates, and of its various sources of use and applications, it is essential as a raw material for the industrial area, for example, in the production of inputs for animal feed. The present study aimed to determine 16 pesticides in samples of canned and fresh corn for human consumption. The samples were purchased in supermarkets in the city of Cerro Largo, located in the northwest of Rio Grande do Sul, and in other nearby cities. For sample preparation, the QuEChERS method was used and for separation and quantification the liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). From the results obtained, regarding the presence of pesticides, none of the monitored compounds were detected, showing that the samples are in compliance for human consumption. However, it is important to emphasize that continuous monitoring of these samples should occur, as well as the investigation of other compounds not covered in this study. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the monitoring of pesticides in food products is essential for food safety.