Resíduos de agrotóxicos em produtos de origem vegetal in natura comercializados em supermercados de Santa Catarina: um estudo acerca do Programa de Rastreabilidade e Monitoramento de Alimentos – RAMA (2018-2023)

Abstract

The monitoring of pesticide residues in fresh plant products intended for human consumption is regulated by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), through Joint Normative Instruction INC 02/2018, which determines the procedures for applying traceability throughout the production chain, in order to guarantee better management and quality of processes and products. The Traceability System for plant products must ensure that food production is completely safe for consumption and easily checked by consumers or inspection bodies. Within a supply chain structure, the supermarket is of fundamental importance in the service and product it offers to the end consumer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the history of pesticide residue results from the RAMA Program sold in supermarkets in Santa Catarina between January 2018 and December 2023. The study covered 25 supermarket chains. The information collected corresponded to 53 types of FLV. Up to 419 active pesticide ingredients were identified, 92 of which were distinct in a total of 3,538 samples, with around 30% being unsatisfactory. The results were classified into 5 categories: (1) Prohibited, (2) Unauthorized (NA) and Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) - Application of unauthorized active ingredient and error in handling authorized pesticides, (3) Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) - Substance with a value higher than the maximum residue limit (4) NA - Unauthorized and (5) No Occurrences. Of the total of 3,538 laboratory reports, an average of 13% of the plant products evaluated had some kind of irregularity, with 4% exceeding the maximum residue limit and 9% using active ingredients not authorized for the crop. These results highlight the ongoing need for rigorous monitoring and control over the use of pesticides in order to guarantee the quality and safety of the food consumed. Through the traceability coordinated by the RAMA Program, retailers are able to provide consumers with the best in horticultural products.