Risk assessment of agrochemical residues in food: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract The worldwide databases PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for a systematic review for pesticide residues with subsequent meta-analysis using the software Open Meta-Analyst. Of the total of 29 selected papers, five identified active ingredients at concentrations posing a conceivable and unacceptable risk for pesticide residues. The average of active ingredients with an unacceptable risk was of 0.004 and a 95% confidence interval (C.I.) between 0.000–0.007. Papers originated from developed countries presented an average of 0.002 and a 95% C.I. of 0.002 and 0.006. Papers out of developing countries presented an average of 0.009 and a 95% C.I. ranging from 0.002 to 0.016. In papers that reported active ingredients at an unacceptable risk, the average was of 0.110 and a 95% C.I. between 0.050 and 0.171. Even though the averages might be considered as very low it is important to emphasize that only papers dealing with produce were scrutinized and other eatables and exposure routes to potential toxic substances were disregarded. Standardization of risk assessment procedures as well as gathering individual food consumption data inherent to each location are aspects that might allow more appropriate comparisons amongst studies.