Prevalence of pesticide residues in foods of plant origin imported from Mercosur countries: evidence from EU border control

International food trade raises concerns regarding the safety of imported plant-based products, particularly with respect to pesticide residues that may enter the European market through imports from regions with differing regulatory frameworks. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, diversity, and regulatory compliance of pesticide residues in plant-derived foods from Mercosur countries imported to the EU. Seventy-five plant materials representing 22 commodity categories were analysed using accredited multi-residue methods based on GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. Contamination patterns varied substantially among commodities: dried plums showed the most complex residue spectrum (15 active substances), followed by blueberries and grapes (14 each). In contrast, avocado, onion, and passion fruit exhibited minimal contamination, and Brazil nuts, peanuts, and maize were completely residue-free. In total, 47 active substances were identified, including fungicides (<i>n</i> = 25), insecticides (<i>n</i> = 14), herbicides (<i>n</i> = 5), a plant growth regulator (<i>n</i> = 1), and two fumigants/inorganic compounds. Fungicides-particularly strobilurins (azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin)-were the most frequently detected. Neonicotinoid and pyrethroid insecticides predominated in fruits, whereas herbicides such as glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA were confined to legume samples. Most residues complied with European Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005; however, exceedances were identified in beans (fosetyl, glufosinate, haloxyfop), chickpeas (glyphosate), and dried plums (chlorothalonil). Commodity-specific residue profiles reflected differences in pest management strategies, with fungicide-insecticide combinations prevailing in fruits, herbicides in legumes, and mixed residues in dried commodities. These findings highlight both the effectiveness of current agricultural practices in reducing pesticide residues in some Mercosur foods and the need for strengthened monitoring of legume and dried fruit commodities to ensure compliance with EU food safety standards.