Effectiveness of Household Processing Methods in Reducing Pesticide Residues in Apples

Different pests and diseases can seriously affect the production and quality of apples. To ensure yield and quality, intensive pesticide application is commonly practiced during apple growth, which frequently results in the presence of pesticide residues in the final product [1]. Therefore, monitoring and reducing pesticide residues in apples is important for protecting consumer’s health. This study was carried out in order to assess the effectiveness of different household processing methods in reducing pesticide residues presence in apple fruits. The methods examined included immersing the apples in tap water, acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate water solutions, and peeling. Apples analyzed in this study were obtained from local markets in Belgrade. The extraction of pesticide residues was performed by applying the QuEChERS method, followed by analysis with liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) [2]. Multiple pesticide residues were detected in the apple samples, indicating widespread application of plant protection products. The results revealed a variable effectiveness of the applied treatments, depending on the chemical properties and surface affinity of each pesticide. Peeling proved to be the most effective method for removing most residues, suggesting that a significant portion of residues is localized on or near the apple skin. However, this method showed limited efficiency for certain systemic pesticides, such as acetamiprid. These findings provide valuable insight for consumers aiming to reduce dietary exposure to pesticide residues through simple domestic practices.