Analysis of cyantraniliprole residues in beetroot and beet top using LC-MS/MS, dietary exposure assessment, and evaluation of decontamination techniques

A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method was standardized for the analysis of cyantraniliprole residues in beetroot and beet top (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris L.) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile and cleaned up by dispersive solid phase extraction. Acceptable recovery of 84.74%-104.24% for beetroot and 80.19%-118.55% for beet top matrix was achieved at fortification levels ranging from 0.02 to 0.025 μg g^-1 , with relative standard deviation <20% that signified the application of the method for detecting cyantraniliprole residues. A field experiment was conducted to determine the half-life and preharvest interval for cyantraniliprole residues in beetroot and beet top. The half-life obtained was 1.86-2.7 days for beetroot and 3.65-5.33 days for beet top. The preharvest interval calculated was 9.12-12.90 and 22.12-37.98 days for beetroot and top, respectively. The dietary exposure assessment at studied doses found cyantraniliprole residues below acceptable daily contact limits. Among different decontamination techniques evaluated, peeling + tap water washing resulted in a higher reduction of residues while cooking and juicing resulted in moderate removal of residues.