Food safety in Thailand 6: How to eat guava fruits safely? Effects of washing and peeling on removing pesticide residues in guava fruits

Abstract

© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Pesticide residues in produce are not commonly monitored in developing countries. This study aims to determine whether washing and peeling has an effect on removing pesticide residues from guava fruits. Seventy-five guava samples were purchased from Thai markets, and analyzed for 67 pesticides. Eighteen pesticides were detected in the guava samples. The incidence of pesticide detection was 100% with a MRL exceedance of 95% in the guava studied. Washing the guava was not effective at removing pesticide residues, while, peeling the fruits provided the most effective way to remove pesticide residues. Thus, to safely consume guava, it is advisable to peel the fruit before eating it. Practical applications: There is increasing public concern over the potential health risks associated with the pesticide residues found in food. Very high pesticide residue levels were detected in guava fruits. Washing is thought to be effective at removing the pesticide residues. However, this study has shown that this is not the case as washing the guava fruits with running water method had no effect on pesticide residue removal. Whereas, peeling was the most effective way to remove pesticide residue. Thus, to be safe, consumers are advised to peel guava fruits before eating the fruits.