Multiresidue analysis of pesticides in fresh fruits and vegetables using procedures developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Improved quality and efficiency of pesticide residue analysis were achieved by examining all aspects of the laboratory process. In an effort to eliminate methylene chloride hazardous waste, an acetonitrile extraction method, originally developed by the California Department of Agriculture, was modified and adopted. Sample size and solvent consumption were reduced with the new method. Custom glassware racks and disposable supplies reduced overall analysis time. Gravity-fed, solid-phase extraction simplified sample preparation and provided cleaner extracts for gas chromatographic analyses. Modifications to the method were made to achieve the ruggedness needed to maintain quality objectives during routine analysis. Instrumental improvements, including new selective detectors, retention time locking, and mass spectrometry screening for all samples, provided the laboratory with efficient, reliable, and confirmed analytical results.