Determination of proposed maximum residue limit of cypermethrin in starfruit (Averrhoa carambola)

C.K. Ngan, A.M. Khairatul and S. Mohammad Shahid

Abstract

Residue trials of cypermethrin in starfruit (Averrhoa carambola) were conducted to estimate the maximum residue limit (MRL). Five trials were conducted at two commercial growers’ plots in Mantin, Negeri Sembilan. The study plots contained 120 mature starfruit trees which were selected and treated with cypermethrin using the manufacturer’s recommended rate (0.023 kg a.i./ha). The insecticide was applied with a motorized sprayer at weekly intervals. Starfruit samples (2 kg) were randomly collected from the plots at 0, 1, 3, 4, 5 and/or 7 days after the last spray. Analytical procedure of cypermethrin extraction was validated prior to actual analysis. Satisfactory recoveries ranging from 92.6% to 106.7% were obtained for the fortified starfruit samples. Results showed low evels of cypermethrin residues in starfruit ranging from < 0.01 to 0.09 mg/kg. The determined value of proposed MRL was 0.2 mg/kg. The Dietary Intake Assessment based on Malaysian Food Consumption Pattern confirmed that the proposed MRL concentration will not cause health risks to consumers.

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