Pesticides and mycotoxins in the almond kernel in the ecological conditions of Ravni Kotari – the case of organic farming

Bajam se kao i drugi orašasti plodovi smatra izuzetno zdravom hranom. Stoga su u ekološkim uvjetima Ravnih kotara provedena istraživanja prisustva ostataka pesticida i mikotoksina u jezgrama bajama sorti Ferragnes, Ferraduela i sjemenjaku bajama. Istraživanja su provedena u 2022. godini, pri čemu su se koristile najosjetljivije metode analize. Korištenjem GC/MS/MS i LC/MS/MS analize na rezidue 402 pesticida, nije utvrđena prisutnost ni jednog pesticida ni u jednom uzorku. Glede mikotoksina, istraženi su ukupni aflatoksini i najopasniji aflatoksin AfB1 i ni u jednom uzorku nisu detektirani. Uz sve nutritivne, intrinzične i ine prednosti ovo je velika dodana vrijednost, budući su mikotoksini utvrđeni u najproizvodnijim zemljama i brojnim trgovinama diljem svijeta. Dobiveni rezultati nam potvrđuju da se bajami bez opterećenja pesticidima i mikotoksinima mogu kategorizirati kao funkcionalna hrana, odnosno koristiti ih više, jer pojačavaju imunitet i preveniraju brojne bolesti kod ljudi. Istraživanja pridonose boljoj valorizaciji bajama proizvedenih u ekološkim uvjetima Ravnih kotara, cjenovnoj stimulaciji za proizvođače i zdravstvenoj dobrobiti za konzumente.
Similary to other nuts, almond is considered to be extremely healthy. In this context, the research was conducted in the ecological conditions of the Ravni Kotari region on the presence of pesticide residues and mycotoxins in the seeds of the Ferragnes and Ferraduela almond varieties, as well as in the almond seedling. The study was done in 2022 and it used the most sensitive analytical methods. Following the GC/MS/MS and LC/MS/MS analysis for 402 pesticide residues, the results showed that no pesticide was detected in any of the samples. As far as mycotoxins are concerned, the analysis was carried out for total aflatoxins and the most dangerous aflatoxin AfB1, none of which were ultimately detected in any sample. In addition to all the nutritional, intrinsic and other advantages, this represents a great added value, since mycotoxins have been found in the most productive countries and in numerous stores around the world. The obtained results confirm that almonds can be categorized as functional food in the absence of pesticides and mycotoxins, i.e., the increased intake should be encouraged, since they strengthen immunity and prevent numerous diseases in humans. The research helps create better valorisation of almonds produced in the ecological conditions of Ravni Kotari region, at the same time benefiting manufacturers through price stimulation and consumers through the suggested health benefits.