Resíduos de agrotóxicos em alimentos in natura na região do Vale do Itajaí, Santa Catarina: um estudo de 2013 a 2018

Abstract

Food security is a global issue, with particular emphasis on Brazil, where the use of pesticides has increased significantly. Since 2008, the country has been the largest global consumer of these products. This study aims to analyze data from the Programa Alimento Sem Risco (PASR), collected between 2013 and 2018 in the Vale do Itajaí mesoregion, focusing on the presence of pesticide residues in fresh foods sold in natura. The data used come from PASR, coordinated by the Companhia Integrada de Desenvolvimento Agrícola de Santa Catarina (CIDASC) in partnership with the Ministério Público de Santa Catarina (MPSC). The data analysis methodology prioritized the identification of non-compliant food samples, with and without residues, the ranking of foods that pose the greatest risk to the consumer and the most frequent active ingredients.The historical series covers 29 fresh foods sold at points of sale and production, classified into three categories: without residue, residue below the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL), and non-compliant (residue above the permitted MRL, unauthorized, and prohibited use). The study found that 69 (15.9%) of the 433 samples were non-compliant, with Bell peppers showing the highest non-compliance rate (23.2%), followed by tomatoes (13%) and carrots (7%). In most cases, non-compliance was due to substances not authorized for the crop. Among the 205 samples with residue (both below and above the MRL), 78 contained more than one residual substance. A total of 99.7% of the identified substances were fungicides (60.6%) and insecticides (39.1%). These results highlight the need for further debate on inspection, monitoring, the correct use of pesticides, and alternative management practices capable of mitigating risks to the health of farmers and consumers.