![]() ![]() Coupled to that, poor disposal affects non-target organisms like fish and other aquatic life, natural pollinators (bees and butterflies), livestock, birds and beneficial soil microorganisms (Buah-Kwofie, Humphries, & Pillay, 2018 van Lexmond, Bonmatin, Goulson, & Noome, 2015). Pesticide residues are also found in cereals, vegetables, fruits and honey and their corresponding products such as juices and wine depend on farmers’ and processors’ practices (Heard et al., 2017 Rivera-Becerril et al., 2017). However, uncontrolled pesticides application and abuse leave residues in the environment may persist leading to pollution and adverse human health effects (Udeigwe et al., 2015). Pesticides application in developing countries is about 25% with exceptionally high application on vegetables (de Bon et al., 2014 Schreinemachers & Tipraqsa, 2012). Europe is the largest pesticides consumer followed by China and the United State of America (USA) (Benbrook, 2016 Hossain, Rahman, & Khan, 2017). Also, Bernhardt, Rosi and Gessner ( 2017) reported 6 million metric tons as total global pesticides usage. Globally, the average insecticides, herbicides and fungicide and acaricides usage from 1990 to 2010 was 342,000, 566,000 and 353,000 t, respectively (Liu, Pan, & Li, 2015). Increased food demand to feed the growing population, which is estimated to be 8.5 billion people by 2030, has intensified the use of pesticides (Clark & Tilman, 2017 Crist, Mora, & Engelman, 2017). Pesticides application has increased agriculture productivity, crops yield, crop protection, affordable food and increased farmers’ income (Antonini & Argilés-Bosch, 2017). Insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, nematicides and avicides are some of the examples (Botitsi, Tsipi, & Economou, 2017). ![]() On the other hand, pesticides include substances used as plant growth regulators, defoliator, desiccant, fruit thinning agents, sprouting inhibitors and substances applied to crops either before or after harvest to protect them from deterioration during transport and storage (FAO, & WHO, 1997). They are also administered to animals for the control of ectoparasites (FAO, & WHO, 1997 Yamada, 2017). Pesticides are applied during the production stage, storage, transport, distribution and processing of food and feeds. Pesticide refers to any substance purposely released into the environment for preventing, destroying, repelling, attracting or controlling any pest, including unwanted species of plant or animals (FAO, & WHO, 1997 Yamada, 2017). This review provides detail on pesticide control and regulations, residues in food, their health impacts and link approaches like good agricultural practices for ensuring sustainability on safe food production. Additionally, food safety is largely obstructed by illegal use of pesticides and the presence of counterfeit pesticides in the market. The residues of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and chlorpyrifos are reported in various foods globally. Maximum residue limits are the maximum pesticide residues limit in food considered safe to human as set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization meeting on pesticide residues. Human health effects caused by pesticide residues in food include headache, vomiting, itching and skin irritation, restlessness, dizziness, breathing difficulties, neurotoxicity and chronic poisoning-related diseases such as cancer and death incidences. ![]() Moreover, the application of pesticides in non-agriculture activities goes unnoticed, such as spraying for anopheles mosquito to control malaria. Pesticide residues and corresponding metabolites are left as runoff to the environment affecting non-targeted organisms like fish, bees, butterflies, birds and other beneficial organisms in soil and water bodies. ![]() Although pesticides have a positive effect on plant health in terms of insect pests and diseases control, increased productivity and improved crop storage, their malpractice impacts on food safety negatively. ![]()
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