Detection and safety evaluation of pesticide residues in representative floral and foliage foods: Hangbaiju and green tea

In this study, by optimizing the gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) in GB 23200.8–2016, data of 382 pesticides (including organophosphorus, organochlorine, pyrethroids, etc.) of 80 categories were collected in the multi-reaction monitoring mode (MRM). The pesticide residue status and safety risks in representative edible medicinal and aromatic plants (Hangbaiju and green tea) were evaluated based on the GC–MS/MS method. Seventeen samples of Hangbaiju from 6 production areas and 39 samples of green tea from 15 production areas were analyzed. A total of 358 pesticide residues were detected in the Hangbaiju samples, among which 33 exceeded the standard. A total of 263 pesticide residues were detected in the green tea samples, among which 5 exceeded the standard. The extent of the excess varied depending on the geographical location and growth period. To further assess the risks, the hot water brewing experiment was conducted by optimizing the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method in GB 23200.121–2021 in the MRM. Only trace amounts of monocrotophos in the selected pesticides could be transferred to the tea soup, and the content was far lower than the limit in GB 2763–2021. Meanwhile, the target hazard quotient (THQ) and aggregate hazard index (AHI) models for whole-leaf intake assessment were constructed. Among them, 6.7 % of the adult samples and 13.3 % of the child samples had AHI values exceeding the safety threshold (AHI > 1). These results indicate that the pesticide residue situation in Hangbaiju and green tea is relatively serious. We have established a systematic detection method and evaluation model to provide a scientific basis for the subsequent formulation of pesticide residue control standards in Hangbaiju and green tea.