Can ultra-processed foods contain residues of pesticides?

Abstract The consumption of ultra-processed food products (UPFP) is linked to the development of some kinds of cancers, which can also be caused by pesticides. However, there is not enough scientific evidence that UFPF may contain residues of pesticides. Some studies report that industrial processing drastically reduces pesticides. Nevertheless, other studies also report that the amount of pesticides increases. This research aimed to measure the concentration of pesticides. Samples of UPFP from plant origin such as soft drinks, nectars, soy drinks, corn chips, savory crackers, stuffed cookies, corn breakfast cereals, and loaf breads were analyzed. Samples of UPFP from animal origin such as pork sausage, hot dog sausage, mortadella, beef hamburger, chicken nuggets, yogurt, chocolate milk, and curd cheese were also analyzed. Pesticides were detected in 16 samples of the 27 products based on corn, wheat, soy, and sugarcane analyzed. Also, pesticides were detected in 14 samples of the 24 products based on meat and milk analyzed. Ten pesticides were detected: aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), bifenthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, fipronil sulfone, fluazuron, glyphosate, glufosinate, and methyl pirimiphos. Pirimiphos-methyl was found in all products of savory crackers, stuffed cookies, and loaf breads. Considering that residues of pesticides were found in 12 categories of products made in different industries involving different industrial processes, our study confirms that UPFP contains residues of pesticides.