Chlorpyrifos residues in Moroccan clementines: implications for consumer safety and trade
摘要
Clementine exports are a key economic driver in Morocco; however, pesticide-residue compliance differs between the export and domestic supply chains, raising concerns about consumer safety. We aimed to quantify chlorpyrifos-ethyl (CE) and chlorpyrifos-methyl (CM) residues in clementines and compare compliance with Moroccan Maximum Residue Limits (0,3 mg kg⁻1) between fruit destined for export and local markets. During the 2018–2019 harvest, 12 composite samples (each weighing 1 kg) were collected: six from conditioning stations targeting international markets and six from regional markets serving local consumers in Berkane Province. Residues were extracted following EN 123932 (2013) and analyzed by gas chromatography with nitrogenphosphorus detection (LOD = 0.005 mg kg⁻1; LOQ = 0.01 mg kg⁻1). Method validation yielded recoveries of 85–110% and an R2 value of 0.999. Data normality was checked (Shapiro–Wilk); group means were compared by Welch’s test (α = 0.05), and effect size was reported with Cohen’s d. CE was detected in 83% (5/6) of localmarket samples, with four of six samples (66%) exceeding the Moroccan maximum residue limit of 0.3 mg kg⁻1 (mean ± SD = 0.70 ± 0.61 mg kg⁻1). In contrast, CE occurred in two of 6 (33%) of export samples, all of which were below the MRL (0.05 ± 0.04 mg kg⁻1). CM was present in 3 samples (25%) yet remained within legal limits. The difference in CE levels between supply chains was significant (t = 3.14, p = 0.010; Cohen’s d = 1.2). Local market clementines exhibit markedly higher CE exceedance than export fruit, implying weaker domestic enforcement of pre-harvest intervals. Strengthened farmer training and regulatory oversight are necessary to align domestic produce with international food safety standards.