Miniaturized QuEChERS extraction (μQuEChERS) combined with HPLC-MS/MS as new analytical method for determination of 105 residues of pesticides in fruit by-products extracts

This study provides an improved approach to determining 105 pesticide residues in fruit by-product extracts, based on the miniaturization of the original QuEChERS (μQuEChERS) followed by HPLC-MS/MS. The methodology achieved good precision (RSD_R and RSD_R < 19 %) and accuracy, with recovery rates ranged from 90 % to 107 % and LOQ was 10 μg/kg, meeting the criteria presented in SANTE/11312/2021v2. The method was applied to various fruit by-products, including extracts from citrus pomace, sweet cherry pits, grape seeds, and date seeds, making this the first study to determine pesticide residues in by-products. The results demonstrated that while pesticide concentrations in extracts were generally below regulatory limits for their corresponding edible portions, some variability in residue reduction rates was observed depending on the compound. These findings underscore the need of monitoring pesticide residues in by-product extracts, especially as these materials are increasingly purposed for use in functional foods. This validated μQuEChERS method offers an environmentally friendly, and reliable tool for ensuring the safety of fruit by-products in the context of a circular economy requiring very small portion size.