Behavior of pesticides in tomatoes during commercial and home preparation

Monitoring of pesticide residues in Egyptian tomatoes and its products was studied. The average contents of HCB, lindane, dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide and DDT derivatives were detected at levels 0.009, 0.003, 0.006, 0.008 and 0.083 mg/kg, respectively. On the other hand, the levels of dimethoate, profenofos and pirimiphos-methyl were 0.461, 0.206 and 0.114 mg/kg, respectively. In ketchup and paste samples, most organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues were not detectable. The distribution patterns of pesticide residues within the cuticular and subcuticular tissues in tomatoes were also studied. The skin samples were found to contain the highest levels of HCB, lindane, dieldrin and DDT derivatives. The investigation also indicated that washing with water and/or detergent solution were necessary to decrease the intake of pesticide residues. Freezing, as well as juicing and peeling, were necessary to remove pesticide residues in the skin. Cooking of tomatoes (including processing tomato to paste) helped to eliminate most pesticide residues from contaminated tomatoes. ©