Analysis of monitoring results for 12 neonicotinoid pesticides in fruits and vegetables sold in He’nan Province from 2023 to 2025

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the residue levels and patterns of neonicotinoid pesticides in commercially available fruits and vegetables in He’nan Province from 2023 to 2025， and to assess the associated safety risks.MethodsEighteen cities in He’nan Province were selected as monitoring sites. Sampling was conducted on predesigned sites where population distribution and regional characteristics were taking into consideration.ResultsThe detection rate for all neonicotinoid pesticides was 40.67% in fruit and vegetable samples from He’nan Province， with 2.94% exceeding the maximum residue limits （MRLs）. A total of 10 neonicotinoid pesticides were detected with detection rates ranging from 0.13% to 19.33%. Cycloxaprid and paichongding were not detected in any of the fruit and vegetable samples from 2023 to 2025. Four neonicotinoid pesticides were found to exceed safety standards with an exceedance rate ranging from 0.04% to 1.71%. All food categories have been detected positive for at least one type of neonicotinoid pesticides. The detection rates for neonicotinoids were 34.01% in fruits and 43.83% in vegetables， with corresponding exceedance rates of 2.59% and 3.10%， respectively.ConclusionNeonicotinoid pesticides were widely detected in commercially available fruits and vegetables in He’nan Province from 2023 to 2025. These findings suggest the need for regulatory authorities to strengthen monitoring and guide the rational use of neonicotinoid pesticides