RF-IZM-2008-1159439 . Innovative analytical methods fordetermination of pesticides and heavy metals in foodstuffs

Multi-groups and multi-residues test methods will be developed, for the purposes of the official control of pesticides in foodstuffs and vegetables. In particular, our goal is to develop 2 methods for animal derived products, 1 for vegetables and 1 for feeds. Animal derived foods will be selected on the basis of their fat content. The active compounds will be chosen according to the following criteria: - the matching matrix-pesticide indicated by the Regulation 1213/2008/EC - the maximum residue limits (MRL) set by the Regulation 396/2005/EC - the suggestions from the Community Reference Laboratories (CRLs) - the pesticides used in agriculture in Italy - the pesticides monitored within the IIZZSS network in the framework of the National Monitoring Plans for drug residues(PNR) and Feeds (PNAA The Regulation 1213/2008/EC states to pay particular attention to the monitoring of organophosphates, carbamates, triazoles and pyretroids. The test methods will be developed according to the suggestions from the CRLs, above all considering recently introduced techniques for both sample treatment (extraction, purification) and determination of pesticides (LC-MS/MS and GCMS/ MS using triple quadrupole detectors). The methods will be: multi-group and multi-residue, able to determinate a lot of compounds exhibiting different chemical and physical properties, applicable to several matrices. During the first step of the project, a practical workshop organised by e CRL will be carried out, to transfer the scientific and technical know how already available. For sample treatment, the potency and relative merits of SPE, ASE, QUECHERS system will be tested for extraction and purification steps. This approach should also allow for reducing analysis time, costs and wastes of solvents. Test methods will be validated according to the SANCO/2007/3131 guideline from the Commission, integrated with the requirements of the Regulation 882/2004/EC and the Decision 2002/657/EC, with particular reference to the case of feeds. Regarding speciation of mercury and its organic form, test methods will be developed for determination of methyl-mercury in seafood and feeds for aquaculture, based on LC-ICP/MS, LC-FIMS/AAS techniques. The methods will be validated according to the Regulation 882/2004/EC. The ratio total mercury /methyl- mercury in some seafood will be evaluated. A model for risk evaluation, managing and communication will be studied to assess consumer#s exposure due to some seafood.