Abstract:
This study aimed to assess the levels of selected pesticides residues in harvested tomatoes and their
associated dietary risks to consumers at Makambako Town in Njombe region, Tanzania. Forty-two
fresh tomatoes were sampled among tomato farmers during harvesting season and extraction of
analytes was done using QuEChERS method and analysed by Gas Chromatography-Mass
Spectrometer. Residues of chlorpyrifos, profenofos, gamma cyhalothrin and cypermethrin were
alternatingly detected in 78.51% of samples. The average concentrations of residues were 0.014,
0.056, 0.003 and 0.2 mg/kg for chlorpyrifos, profenofos, gamma cyhalothrin and cypermethrin and
were all below their respective Codex MRLs. The highest concentration was 0.718 mg/kg for
cypermethrin, above the Codex MRL of 0.2 mg/kg. The hazard indexes indicate no potential health
hazards to the general population due to the lifetime consumption of fresh tomatoes from the
study area. Periodic monitoring of residue levels of pesticides in vegetable fruits, including tomatoes,
is recommended.
