Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.6, 308-316 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 310 measures at various stages, from storage to processing, helps in early detection and management of contamination risks. Safety testing not only involves checking for mycotoxins but also assessing the overall microbial community in stored grains, as shifts in microbial composition can indicate potential contamination issues. By maintaining stringent quality control protocols, the wheat supply chain can effectively manage and mitigate the risks associated with fungal toxins, ensuring the safety of wheat products for consumers (Scariot et al., 2018; Solanki et al., 2019). In summary, post-harvest practices such as effective storage methods, processing techniques, and robust quality control measures are integral to managing fungal toxin proliferation and ensuring wheat food safety. These practices help in minimizing contamination risks and maintaining the quality of wheat products throughout the supply chain. 4 Case Study: Pesticide Residue Levels in Wheat in a High-Production Region 4.1 Background and rationale of the selected region The selected region for this case study is the suburbs of Beijing, China, a high-production area for wheat. This region was chosen due to its intensive agricultural practices and the significant presence of pesticide residues in wheat fields, which pose potential risks to human health and the environment. The area is characterized by the frequent use of various pesticides, including carbendazim and tebuconazole, which have been detected at high levels in wheat samples (Tao et al., 2021). The rationale for selecting this region is to understand the impact of these agricultural practices on food safety and to develop strategies for mitigating pesticide residue levels in wheat. 4.2 Agricultural practices leading to pesticide residue buildup In the Beijing suburbs, the co-occurrence of multiple pesticides in wheat fields is a common practice to protect crops from pests and diseases. However, this has led to the buildup of pesticide residues in both soil and wheat samples. The frequent detection of carbendazim, triazoles, and neonicotinoids in soil samples indicates a persistent use of these chemicals (Tao et al., 2021). Additionally, the application methods, such as foliar spray, significantly influence the uptake and translocation of pesticides in wheat, contributing to residue buildup (Fantke et al., 2011). The intensive use of pesticides without adequate management practices exacerbates the accumulation of residues in the environment and food products. 4.3 Detection methods and threshold exceedances in wheat samples The detection of pesticide residues in wheat samples from the selected region is primarily conducted using advanced analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) (Rezaei et al., 2017; Ding et al., 2023). These methods allow for the simultaneous determination of multiple pesticide residues and provide accurate quantification of their levels in wheat. In the Beijing region, certain pesticides, such as carbendazim and tebuconazole, have been found to exceed the maximum residue limits (MRLs), although they do not pose non-carcinogenic risks with one exception (Tao et al., 2021). The detection of residues above MRLs necessitates regular monitoring and stricter regulation to ensure food safety. 4.4 Mitigation strategies and recommendations for safer production To mitigate pesticide residue levels in wheat and ensure safer production, several strategies can be implemented. First, optimizing pesticide application methods, such as using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and mister sprayers, can enhance control efficacy and reduce residue levels (Xiao et al., 2020). Second, adopting integrated pest management (IPM) practices can minimize the reliance on chemical pesticides and promote the use of alternative pest control methods (Figure 1) (Zhang et al., 2015). Third, implementing regular monitoring and risk assessment programs can help identify and manage potential risks associated with pesticide residues (Dalvie and London, 2009). Lastly, educating farmers on the safe and effective use of pesticides and promoting sustainable agricultural practices are crucial for reducing pesticide residues and protecting public health (Carvalho et al., 2017).
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