Abstract Fruits and vegetables represent both a considerable contribution to a healthy dietary pattern of the population and a source of income for countries exporting part of their production. Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) have undergone rapid urbanization and changes in lifestyle and consumer demands. These changes have had a profound effect on food production and consumption. The demand is, in particular, driving farmers to apply pesticides to protect crops and increase yield. As a result, pesticide residues are often found in fruits and vegetables which can be harmful to humans when consumed. An assessment of the situation in the region is necessary to adequately assess the health burden that might arise from the widespread use of pesticides and to help decide which mitigation measures need to be taken. As a first step, a literature review of the published articles in the region regarding the use of pesticides in fruits and vegetables was done. We conclude that insecticides are often reported at levels above the Codex Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) leading to potential exceedance of the Health Based Guidance Values established by FAO and WHO. Moreover, several organochlorine pesticides listed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) have been repeatedly reported in fruits and vegetables. A more accurate exposure assessment would be needed to quantify accurately the risk for population groups. Such an assessment would request both representative pesticide monitoring data and adequate food consumption surveys. Efforts should also be made by governments and international organizations to strengthen farmers’ education regarding Good Agricultural Practices and integrated pesticide management.

中文翻译：

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东地中海区域水果和蔬菜中农药残留的发生情况及其对公众健康的潜在影响

摘要 水果和蔬菜对人口的健康饮食模式做出了相当大的贡献，也是出口部分产品的国家的收入来源。东地中海地区 (EMR) 的国家经历了快速的城市化以及生活方式和消费者需求的变化。这些变化对粮食生产和消费产生了深远的影响。这种需求尤其促使农民使用杀虫剂来保护作物和提高产量。因此，水果和蔬菜中经常会发现农药残留，食用后可能对人体有害。有必要对该地区的情况进行评估，以充分评估农药的广泛使用可能产生的健康负担，并帮助决定需要采取哪些缓解措施。作为第一步，对该区域已发表的关于在水果和蔬菜中使用杀虫剂的文章进行了文献回顾。我们得出的结论是，杀虫剂的报告水平通常高于法典最大残留水平 (MRL)，导致可能超出粮农组织和世卫组织制定的基于健康的指导值。此外，《关于持久性有机污染物（POPs）斯德哥尔摩公约》中列出的几种有机氯农药已多次被报告在水果和蔬菜中。需要更准确的暴露评估来准确量化人群的风险。这种评估需要有代表性的农药监测数据和充足的食品消费调查。