Pilot Study to Assess the Contamination of Cottonseed Oil Produced in Mali by Organochlorine Pesticide Residues

In Mali, cotton cultivation generates large quantities of cottonseed, from which edible cottonseed oil is widely produced and consumed. As part of national food safety surveillance, sanitary standards and market authorization requirements are being strengthened, necessitating routine pesticide residue assessments. This study aimed to evaluate the presence and levels of organochlorine pesticide residues in cottonseed oil marketed in Mali. A total of 27 cottonseed oil samples from different processing units were collected and anonymized by coded labeling. Laboratory analyses were conducted at the Environmental Toxicology and Quality Control Laboratory (ETQCL). Pesticide residues were extracted using the laboratory’s standard liquid–liquid extraction protocol, and quantification was performed using gas chromatography equipped with an electron capture detector (GC-µECD). Given the persistence and bioaccumulation potential of organochlorines, the investigation focused on this class of pesticides. Results indicated that 62.95% of samples were free of the targeted organochlorine residues, while 37.05% contained detectable levels. Eight out of the ten pesticides screened were identified, with concentrations ranging from 0.046 to 0.501 mg/L. DDT recorded the highest level (0.501 mg/L), whereas dieldrin showed the lowest (0.046 mg/L). Several detected concentrations exceeded the Codex Alimentarius maximum residue limits for edible oils. These findings demonstrate potential health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated cottonseed oil. It is therefore recommended to enhance pesticide regulation in cotton production, promote safer pest management alternatives, and establish regular monitoring systems to ensure oil safety for consumers.