Comprehensive Evaluation of Pesticide Residues in Albanian Tomatoes by Advanced Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometric Techniques
Session
Agriculture, Food Science and Technology
Description
The presence of pesticide residues in agricultural produce is a critical concern for both consumer health protection and compliance with international food safety standards. In this study, 22 tomato samples collected from different regions of Albania were analysed to detect and quantify pesticide residues. The analyses were performed using multi-residue methods based on GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS, enabling the detection of a broad spectrum of active substances. The results revealed the presence of multiple pesticide residues, with fungicides and insecticides representing the dominant groups of the identified pesticides. Several samples contained more than one compound reflecting the widespread use of combined plant protection strategies in tomato cultivation. While some residues were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs), others approached or exceeded these thresholds, raising concerns for consumer safety. The study highlights the widespread contamination of Albanian tomatoes with pesticides of diverse chemical groups and emphasises the importance of continuous residue monitoring. Furthermore, the study highlights the need to strengthen farmer training on rational pesticide use and to reinforce national regulatory frameworks to minimise residues and safeguard food safety outcomes.
Keywords:
Pesticide residues, Tomatoes, Multi-residue methods, Regulatory frameworks, Food safety
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-982-41-2
Location
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Start Date
25-10-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
26-10-2025 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.171
Recommended Citation
Likaj, Matilda; Marku, Elda; Mediu, Ridvan; Tahiraj, Jonida; and Shehu, Sonila, "Comprehensive Evaluation of Pesticide Residues in Albanian Tomatoes by Advanced Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometric Techniques" (2025). UBT International Conference. 16.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2025UBTIC/AFCT/16
Comprehensive Evaluation of Pesticide Residues in Albanian Tomatoes by Advanced Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometric Techniques
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
The presence of pesticide residues in agricultural produce is a critical concern for both consumer health protection and compliance with international food safety standards. In this study, 22 tomato samples collected from different regions of Albania were analysed to detect and quantify pesticide residues. The analyses were performed using multi-residue methods based on GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS, enabling the detection of a broad spectrum of active substances. The results revealed the presence of multiple pesticide residues, with fungicides and insecticides representing the dominant groups of the identified pesticides. Several samples contained more than one compound reflecting the widespread use of combined plant protection strategies in tomato cultivation. While some residues were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs), others approached or exceeded these thresholds, raising concerns for consumer safety. The study highlights the widespread contamination of Albanian tomatoes with pesticides of diverse chemical groups and emphasises the importance of continuous residue monitoring. Furthermore, the study highlights the need to strengthen farmer training on rational pesticide use and to reinforce national regulatory frameworks to minimise residues and safeguard food safety outcomes.