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Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Okra Samples Collected from Markets in Assiut Governorate, Egypt

Research Abstract

In Egypt, okra is a major and commercially significant vegetable crop.  However, its future consumption and safety face serious challenges due to the problem of pesticide residues. This problem stems from the indiscriminate and irresponsible use of pesticides by farmers, which puts food safety and consumer health at risk. Okra samples taken from important marketplaces and agricultural hubs in the Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt specifically, El-Badari, Sahel Selim, Manfalout, El Qusiya, Dairut, and Assiut City—were subjected to a precise quantitative evaluation of the residues of these compounds as part of the study's framework.  The researchers employed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) equipment for analysis, a very sensitive approach to guarantee the correctness of data and relied on the sophisticated QuEChERS process to prepare samples. The findings showed that seven distinct kinds of pesticide residues were present. Most significantly, the evaluation showed that none of these residues exceeded international guidelines for maximum permitted limits (MRLs) and that no negative health effects were linked to the residues found. Considering these results, the study suggests that a national program be established to monitor and analyze pesticide levels in okra to maintain food safety, especially in Upper Egypt. This program should be sustainable and effective.

Research Authors
Nourhan O. Mahmoud; Mohamed A. I. Ahmed; Hossam Elden A. Ezz Elden; Hend M. Abdella; Rania M.A. Helmy
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Assiut Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Research Member
Research Pages
84-92
Research Publisher
Assiut University, Faculty of Agriculture
Research Vol
57
Research Website
https://ajas.journals.ekb.eg/article_482605.html
Research Year
2026