SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF PRESERVATIVES RESIDUE PRODUCTS (BEANS AND ELUBO)

ABSTRACT Pesticides and herbicides are extensively used in agriculture to enhance crop yield and protect against pests and weeds. However, their residues can persist in food products, leading to potential health risks for consumers. Elubo, a flour made from yam, and beans are staple foods in many regions, making the assessment of pesticide and herbicide residues in these products crucial for food safety. Unfortunately, Nigeria‟s beans and yam production has over the years faced major challenges. Among these challenges is the incidence of insect pests and diseases which has been recognized as one of major causes of declining yields in beans production. In order to increase beans yields, the use of synthetic pesticide has been a measure to control its pest and disease. Therefore there is need to study the safety assessment of preservatives residue products in (beans and elubo). Beans were collected in sterile poly bags to protect them from moisture and contamination. The samples were labeled and stored inside a covered container. The Bean samples were then cleaned by picking out stones, weevils and other nonessential materials. The different samples were then milled separately, first, using a mortar and pestle to mill to powder form. The bean samples were purchased in dry form and further drying was done. Precautionary measures were taken to avoid cross-contamination of the different samples during and after milling, sieved and thr residue was taken for analysis. Yam flour was sieved and the residue was packaged and was taken for analysis. The pest residue was determined and dichlovos, endosulphan and glyphosphate content was determined. The result showed that the pesticide residue ranged from 0.026 to 0.041 µg/kg, 0.045 to 0.070 µg/kg, 038 to 0.077µg/kg for dichlovos, endosulphan and glyphosphate content , respectively. The study revealed that dichlovos, endosulphan and glyphosphate in yam flour (elubo) and beans found in Wazo market, Ogbomoso, Oyo State with most of them occurring at concentrations higher than their recommended level or acceptable daily intake based on European commission report on pesticides use in 2019. The presence of dichlovos, endosulphan and glyphosphate pesticides point to ongoing usage of out-of-date, illegal pesticides during elubo and bean growing and storage which suggest a specific range of non-carcinogenic risk connected to lifetime intake of beans marketed in this area. Therefore, Nigerian regulatory organizations (including NAFDAC, SON, and NESREA) should intensify their efforts to guarantee that the prohibition on these substances is followed. Education about the risks of using products that are prohibited as well as the overuse of these pesticides is also necessary for farmers and other pesticide users.