Pesticide residues and dietary risk assessment in cumin from three key cumin-producing governorates in Egypt

This study provides an indicative assessment of pesticide residues and the associated dietary health risks in cumin ( Cuminum cyminum L.) from three key producing governorates in Egypt: Minya, Assiut, and Gharbia. A multi-residue analytical approach revealed the presence of 28 pesticides, with more than 75% exceeding the European Union Maximum Residue Limits (EU MRLs), indicating notable levels of non-compliance. Chlorpyrifos was the predominant pesticide, showing markedly elevated residue concentrations across all regions and exceeding the EU MRL (0.01 mg/kg) by several hundred-fold. Risk assessment results indicated that chlorpyrifos may pose significant health concerns, with hazard quotient (HQ) values exceeding the acceptable threshold (HQ = 1) in all regions investigated. In addition, cumulative dietary exposure, expressed as the hazard index (HI), also exceeded unity, indicating potential combined health risks associated with multiple pesticide residues. Other compounds, including imidacloprid and difenoconazole, contributed to the overall exposure profile. The findings indicate substantial regional differences in pesticide use practices and regulatory compliance, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Integrating multi-residue analysis with quantitative risk assessment provides a valuable framework for evaluating food safety and informing policy development. Strengthened MRL enforcement, promotion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and the development of safer pesticide alternatives are recommended to reduce dietary exposure and enhance the safety of Egyptian cumin for both domestic and international markets.