Abstract:

Chemical contaminant residues in carambola (Averrhoa carambola) fruits collected from Guangdong, Guangxi,
Hainan and Fujian provinces were assayed. The results showed that the frequency of occurrence of pesticide residues in
wholesales and open markets were low whereas the largest number of pesticide residues in sample collection spots near
cultivation base was detected. Samples contaminated with pesticide residues exceeding the maximum residue levels (MRLs)
existed mainly in the collection spots. Three pesticides detected at the highest concentrations were beta-cypermethrin,
carbendazim and chlorbenzuron. Based on deterministic method for risk assessment of pesticides, the potential health risk of
21 other pesticide residues in carambola was low. However, the potential risk of dicofol was high. The semi-probabilistic approach
was applied to analyze the potential risk of dicofol. Results showed that at a 99.5% confidence level (P99.5) exposure levels in
2- to 10-year-old subgroups were over the value of allowable daily intake (ADI). There existed potential risk from dicofol for
these age groups. Thus, we should put more emphasis on monitoring samples collected from near cultivation base, modifying and
establishing MRLs for dicofol, carbendazim and chlorbenzuron and formulating alternative pesticides.

Key words: carambola, pesticide residues, exposure assessment, dicofol