ESTIMATION OF ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN POULTRY MEAT AND EGG

Abstract

A survey was undertaken to screen and evaluate the presence of organochlorine pesticide residue in poultry products. Both commercial and desi chicken eggs and meat samples were collected from Namakkal area of Tamil Nadu and analyzed by thin layer chromatography and confirmed by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry. Total Endosulfan in commercial chicken egg and in broiler thigh and breast muscle exceeded the MRL of Codex alimentarius. The occurrence was 50 percent with regards to broiler meat and 33.33 percent with regards to commercial egg. Desi chicken adipose tissue had a high incidence of endosulfan residue (58.33 per cent) with the levels of 28.57 ± 2.85 ppb. But the detected mean values were below the permissible MRL. DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) was detected in broiler thigh and breast meat. The values obtained were below the MRL of Codex alimentarius and EU standards. BHC (Benzene hexa chloride) was detected in broiler liver, thigh and breast meat while the per cent incidence was higher in liver (33.33). The detected mean values were below the maximum permissible level of Codex alimentarius and EU standards. Both desi and broiler egg and meat analyzed were negative for aldrin, dieldrin and endrin residues which indicate that there may be these pesticides are not used in the geographical area from where samples were obtained. The findings of this study indicates that the presence of organochlorine pesticide residues, though at low level of incidence, still continues to be a threat for poultry products, hence it is essential to have a constant screening and monitoring of these compounds in feedstuff and feed at feed mills and mixing plants so as to prevent contamination in the eggs and meat.