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Page No. : 41-47

ABSTRACT

A survey was conducted to screen 409 samples of flesh food samples collected from the local abattoirs and retail shops in Pune and Mumbai for the presence of DDT, HCH, lindane, and endosulfan. The samples were collected during January 2007 to July 2007. Maximum concentrations of pesticides were found in fat amongst various tissue matrices, and in pigs amongst various food animals included in the study. Numbers of samples positive for pesticide analytes were highest for lindane (60.15%). Agricultural use of DDT and HCH is banned in India, but restricted use of DDT and lindane is allowed under special conditions. The isomeric pattern of DDT and HCH showed the impact of this pesticide usage policy as it was indicative of the past and present use of these pesticides. 3.7% meat samples exceeded the FSSAI MRLs for lindane and DDT, whereas, in comparison with Codex MRLs lindane was found to exceed the level in maximum numbers of samples. The study revealed that flesh foods are safe for Indian consumers but continuous monitoring of these pesticides is necessary to safeguard the meat export trade in India.

Keywords: DDT, endosulfan, food animals, HCH, India, lindane, Organochlorine pesticides.