Pesticide Residues in Fruits and Vegetables Consumed in Kuwait: Dietary Exposure and Health Risk Assessment

Fruits and vegetables constitute a significant component of the daily diet of the Kuwaiti population, and are among the most pesticide-intensive commodities in agriculture. The study assessed the level of pesticide residues in locally produced and imported fruits and vegetables, and the potential dietary health risks associated with their consumption among different age groups in Kuwait. A total of 505 foreign and 306 local fruit and vegetable samples were analyzed for the presence of 290 pesticides using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) multi-residue extraction, followed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Pesticide residues above the maximum residue limits (MRL) were detected in 24% and 14% of the foreign and local vegetable samples, respectively. Residues above the MRL were detected in 31% of the foreign fruit samples and in 42% of the local samples. Fruit and vegetable samples with more than one residue were more frequently found in samples of foreign origin. Of the 290 pesticides investigated, 46 were detected, of which 74% were found to exceed the MRLs. The pesticide residues detected do not pose a risk to human health based on short-term (acute) exposures, but can pose long-term (chronic) health effects, at least for infants and children, following cumulative exposure. The estimated chronic hazard index (cHI) values were above 100% for infants and children, 144.85% and 107.48, respectively. These findings underscore the need for continuous pesticide residue monitoring, stricter enforcement of pesticide laws and regulations, and promoting alternatives to chemical pest control in agriculture to ensure food safety and protect consumer health.