Trace-level ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry detection of organophosphorus pesticides in camel milk: Safeguarding public health

Camel milk is renowned for its nutritional and medicinal properties, yet its potential contamination remains a growing public concern. Despite this, the organophosphorus pesticide (OPP) content of camel milk has not been comprehensively analyzed worldwide. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we analyzed 12 important OPP in 40 camel milk samples over a widespread distribution in the United Arab Emirates. Both raw and pasteurized milk samples were analyzed, and the method was validated under international guidelines. The method achieves high accuracy, precision, and linearity (R² ≥ 0.991) and low limits of detection (1.09-1.51 ug/kg) and quantification (3.61-4.99 ug/kg). The OPP concentrations varied among the analyzed samples. Chlorpyrifos, phorate, and diazinon were detected above their respective maximum residue limits in 7.5 %, 2.5 %, and 2.5 % of the analyzed samples, respectively. According to the health-risk assessment findings, camel milk consumption may pose a potential health concern for the consumers in the affected region. These findings can inform forthcoming developments in dairy science and underscore the importance of thorough assessments of OPP in camel milk, which is regularly consumed by adults, children, and infants.