This research aimed at implementing and validating a method for analysis of pesticide residues in crops. QuEChERS extraction method with PSA purification was used following analyzes by gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry in Selected Reaction Monitoring mode. A short run method was successfully developed for the determination of 41 pesticides, confirmed by two precursor-products for each analyte. The calibration curve for each analyte was linear at concentration range from 1 to 500 μg kg-1 with correlation coefficients higher than 0.99, low limits of detection (0.03 - 10.22 μg kg-1) and satisfactory precision. The developed method was used to investigate apples; mangos; strawberries; cucumbers and tomatoes from the Rio de Janeiro Food Distribution Center (CEASA).Most of the targeted pesticides (78%) were below detection limits. Apple and strawberry presented the highest pesticide contamination levels, many of which are not authorized by tthe Brazilian national regulatory agency (ANVISA).
Keywords: GC-MS/MS; Pyrethroids; Triazines; food control; pesticides.