Occurrence of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues in poultry feeds, raw and cooked eggs from selected farms in Ilala and Kibaha Districts, Tanzania

This study assessed the levels of seventeen pesticides and metabolites residues in chicken feeds and raw eggs as well as the effects of processing methods on the levels in eggs in samples obtained from six poultry farms in Ilala and Kibaha districts, Tanzania. Extraction was performed by solid dispersion method and the extracts were cleaned-up by adsorption column chromatography. The analytes were determined by Gas Chromatography– Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The highest mean concentrations of the contaminants in feeds and eggs were as follows, respectively: aldrin 0.62 and 2 mg/kg, dieldrin 0.71 and 1.3 mg/kg, total DDT 6.68 and 8.14 mg/kg, total endosulfan 3.53 and 3.74 mg/kg, total HCHs 0.91 and 1.21 mg/kg, chlorpyrifos 12.2 and 0.59 mg/kg, fenitrothion 4.9 and 0.64 mg/kg and pirimiphos methyl 22.11 and 1.6 mg/kg. Chicken feeds were found to be the most contaminated followed by raw eggs and finally cooked eggs. Most of the concentrations were above the maximum residue limits (MRLs) indicating risks and concerns. Proper selection and preparation of poultry feeds could reduce the levels in the feeds and eggs.