THE EFFECTS OF COMMERCIAL AND HOME PROCESSING TECHNIQUES ON INSECTICIDE RESIDUES IN FOOD
Date
1970
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Organic pesticides have been used on a world-wide basis for about 25 years to protect human health and to increase the yield of agricultural products. Unfortunately, the benefits derived from pesticides are partially offset by broad dispersion in and detrimental effects on the environment.
Concern has centered recently on the organochlorine pesticides because of their persistence and threat to human health. They accumulate in water and soil and enter the food chain. Trans-
location of these pesticides is greatest into root vegetables and oilseed crops. The pesticide residues which are present in most food in varying amounts are the major source of pesticides absorbed by humans.
Much research has been carried out on the extent of pesticide residues in raw food. However, most food is processed commercially or domestically before being eaten. Common processing
methods such as washing, peeling and boiling of vegetables or the refining of edible vegetable oils may have a significant effect on pesticide residues in food. If a reduction in pesticide residues is achieved by various processing methods then any possible hazard that the pesticide may constitute to the consumer is decreased. Consequently, there is a need for more information about the effect of processing techniques on pesticide residues in many foods.
The object of this thesis was to investigate the following:
1. To determine the effect of home processing techniques such as peeling, boiling and baking on chlordane residues in potatoes, beets, carrots and turnips. Chlordane was selected because its use may increase substantially as a replacement for other more persist-ent organochlorine pesticides, especially for the control of wireworms.
2. To determine the effect of simulated commercial veget-able oil processing techniques on the DDT and lindane residues in rapeseed oil. Lindane and DDT were select-ed because they are commonly used for pest control on rapeseed and also because they represent two extremes in volatility which could be a factor in their reduct-ion during processing.
Description
Keywords
Organic pesticides
Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Home Economics