Evaluation of the Penetration of Multiple Classes of Pesticides in Fresh Produce Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Mapping

Understanding pesticide penetration is important for effectively applying pesticides and in reducing pesticide exposures from food. This study aims to evaluate multiclass systemic and nonsystemic pesticide penetration in 3 representative fresh produce (apples, grapes, and spinach leaves). Surface-enhanced Raman scattering mapping was applied for in situ and real-time tracking of pesticide penetration over time. The results show that 100 mg/L of systemic pesticides, thiabendazole and acetamiprid, penetrated more rapidly and deeply with maximum depth around 220 mu m after 48-h exposure into the tested fresh produce than 100 mg/L of nonsystemic pesticides, ferbam and phosmet, with maximum depth about 80 mu m. The fact that 2 nonsystemic pesticides were also able to penetrate over time into all 3 fresh produce tested may raise additional food safety concerns. Comparatively, grapes were generally more resistant for pesticide penetration with all pesticides penetration depth below 80 mu m compared to apples and spinach leaves. The information obtained here could provide technical support and guidance for accurate, effective, and safe application of pesticides and for the reduction of pesticide exposure from fresh produce.