Analysis of pesticide residues in hazelnuts using the QuEChERS method by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

An analytical methodology to efficiently monitor 77 pesticides in hazelnut samples has been developed in this research for the first time. A QuEChERS (quick, easy, effective, rugged, and safe) sample preparation was applied with a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methodology. Validation of the methodology was performed in accordance with SANTE/11945/2015. Favorable validation coefficient (0.99), limit of detection (LOD) (2–11 µg/kg), limit of quantification (LOQ) (4–37 µg/kg), recovery (64–130%), repeatability (1–18%) and reproducibility (4–28%) values were obtained. Samples of real hazelnuts were successfully tested using this methodology. Acetochlor, boscalid, carbendazm, chlorantraniliprole, chloridazon, diflubenzuron, fenarimol and fluopyram pesticide residues were detected in commercial hazelnuts. The quantities of these residues were significantly lower than MRLs which were published by the European Union (EU). The findings indicate that the current method can be used effectively for multi-pesticide residue control of hazelnuts by the food control institutions of governments.