Effect of household and industrial processing on levels of five pesticide residues and two degradation products in spinach

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) was sprayed with four fungicides (boscalid, mancozeb, iprodione and propamocarb) and one insecticide (deltamethrin) to quantify the effect of household and industrial processing on the pesticide residues. To ensure sufficiently high levels of residues, the most concentrated formulations were applied pursuant to Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). The subsequent processing conditions were established in accordance with industrial practice corresponding as closely as possible to the actual conditions that are normally used in practice. The effects of household and industrial processing on the levels of the five pesticide residues and the two degradation products were quantified. Washing with tap water reduced residues by 10