Residues of HCH and DDT in food samples from hotels in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

To estimate the residues of HCH (BHC) and DDT in food, food samples were collected from hotels and restaurents in Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichi, Madras and Kamarajar districts of Tamil Nadu State, India and analysed by gas chromatography. Out of the five food groups viz., cereals and pulses, fruits and vegetables, milk and milk products, egg and meat and water and beverages, the fatty foods like milk, milk products, egg and meat were the maiirsources of these insecticide residues. These food items contribute more than 50 per cent of the residues. The average daily intake level was 0.25 jig of alpha HCH, 0.24pg of beta HCH, 0.19 \ig of gamma HCH and 0.27 pg of DDT. These levels constitute only 0.08, 0.004, 0.003 and 0.004 per cent of the prescribed Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) level of 0.005, 0.001, 0.01 and 0.02 mg / kg body weight / day for these compounds respectively. The results indicated that the intake of HCH and DDT through food is well below the ADI prescribed by WHO/FAO.