Analysis of 10 systemic pesticide residues in various baby foods using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Ten systemic pesticides, including methomyl, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, carbofuran, fosthiazate, metalaxyl, azoxystrobin, diethofencarb, propiconazole, and difenoconazole were detected in 13 baby foods (cereals, boiled potatoes, fruits, and milk) using the QuEChERS method for sample preparation and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for analysis. The matrix-matched calibration curves showed good linearity with determination coefficients (R2) > 0.992. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.0015–0.003 and 0.005–0.01 mg/kg, respectively. Mean recoveries of three different concentrations ranged from 69.2–127.1% with relative standard deviations < 20. The method was successfully applied to 13 actual samples collected from a local market, and none of the samples contained pesticide residues. In sum, this method is suitable to accurately identify and quantify systemic pesticides with matrix-matched standards in various baby foods.