Pesticide residues in fresh leafy herbs represent a regulatory and analytical challenge due to their complex biochemical composition and frequent raw consumption. Here, we developed and independently validated a targeted LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of 32 pesticides in coriander, mint, curry leaf, and rocket. These matrices, rich in chlorophyll and essential oils, are known to induce matrix-dependent ionization effects that can affect quantitative reliability. The method was optimized using tailored extraction and cleanup procedures and quantified using matrix-based calibration prepared by pre-extraction fortification. Validation in each matrix demonstrated satisfactory linearity (R 2 ≥ 0.99), recovery (70-120%), and precision (≤ 20%), with a validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 5 µg kg -1 across all matrices. Application to 119 retail samples revealed mostly low-level residues, with most quantified concentrations near the validated LOQ. While most residues were below European Union maximum residue limits (MRLs), some exceedances were observed for selected compounds. The study establishes a robust, matrix-aware LC-MS/MS framework for multiresidue pesticide determination in fresh leafy herbs. Independent validation across chemically distinct matrices highlights the importance of commodity-specific evaluation for reliable trace-level quantification. The approach supports improved regulatory monitoring and surveillance of fresh herb commodities that are analytically challenging and comparatively underrepresented in residue studies.
Hakeem et al. (Fri,) studied this question.