Research Article published by Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology
Malpractices in the use of pesticides in vegetable production have been reported in the horticultural
sector in developing countries. This can result in excessive use of pesticides and, subsequently, in
unacceptable levels of pesticide residues in foods of horticultural origin. Consumption of vegetables
containing unacceptable levels of pesticide residues is of public concern due to its potentially
harmful effects on human health. In this work, we reviewed the current status of pesticide
application, the occurrence and exposure of pesticide residues in vegetables as well as factors
influencing the problem of pesticide exposure in Tanzania. The review has realized that pesticides
are rarely applied to vegetables following good agricultural practices. Further, pesticide residues in
vegetables are not monitored and exposure studies are limited. Studies on the influence of
vegetable processing on pesticide residues at household level have been done at laboratory scale.
However, the influence of these processes to the residues at the community level is unknown. The
review suggests the need for broader research on the pesticide application practices to establish
the important practices that have significant association with the occurrence of pesticide residues in
vegetables. Results from this research will allow for the allocation of resources for improvement,
monitoring and control of these practices to minimize the risk of unwanted pesticide residues in
vegetables. Continuous monitoring of pesticide residues in food, as well as the correlated human
dietary exposure, is highly recommended in order to inform policymakers and risk managers of the
status of the risk of exposure to pesticide residues.