An assessment of pesticide residues in tomatoes sold in selected markets in Zimbabwe

This study was conducted to evaluate pesticide residue levels in locally produced and sold tomatoes in Zimbabwe. A total of 91 tomato samples were randomly collected from horticultural and retail markets and analysed for pesticide residues using Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. The samples were obtained from Harare Metropolitan, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, and Midlands Provinces. Pesticide residues were detected in 56% of the analysed samples, with 27.5% exceeding the maximum residue levels (MRLs) set by the European Union (EU), 18.7% exceeding Japanese MRLs, 4.4% surpassing Russian MRLs, 1.1% exceeding USA MRLs, and none exceeding the Codex Alimentarius Commission MRLs. The most commonly detected pesticides were profenofos (9.9%), flubendiamide (9.9%), acetamiprid (9.9%), imidacloprid (8.8%), fenbutatin-oxide (7.7%), and lambda-cyhalothrin (6.6%). Multiple pesticide residues were present in 20.9% of the samples, with 3.3% showing more than three residues. The frequency of pesticide residue detection varied significantly across the four sampled provinces (χ² = 1.26, df = 3, p < 0.05). These findings indicate widespread pesticide use among tomato farmers, underscoring the importance of monitoring pesticide residues in tomatoes. They also highlight the need to promote sustainable pesticide management practices, particularly adherence to recommended pre-harvest intervals. Key words: Maximum residue limits, pesticide residues, tomatoes.