Survey of Pesticide Residues in Selected Fruits Sold in Bodija Market, Ibadan, Oyo State

The widespread use of synthetic pesticides in Nigerian horticulture, coupled with inadequate pre-harvest intervals and poor regulatory enforcement, has raised concerns about pesticide residue accumulation in fresh fruits available in retail markets. This study surveyed pesticide residue levels in five commonly consumed fruits, namely mango, orange, pineapple, pawpaw, and watermelon, obtained from Bodija Market in Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. A total of fifty samples (ten per fruit type) were collected across five market days and analysed for organochlorine and organophosphate pesticide residues using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection. Results indicated that 34 percent of all samples contained detectable pesticide residues. Mango samples recorded the highest frequency of positive detections, with chlorpyrifos identified in 60 percent of mango samples at concentrations reaching 0.08 mg per kg, approaching the Codex Alimentarius maximum residue limit of 0.10 mg per kg. Organochlorine residues were detected in pawpaw and orange samples at low levels. Pineapple samples showed the least contamination, likely due to the protective nature of its thick rind. Watermelon samples showed traces of dimethoate. The study recommends consumer washing and peeling practices and calls for the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen pre-harvest interval compliance monitoring among fruit farmers. Keywords: pesticide residues, fruits, food safety, Ibadan, Bodija Market.